Cody Johnson joins Brooks & Dunn for a timeless “Red Dirt Road” duet at the ACMs—pure country magic, decades strong
Cody Johnson’s performance alongside Brooks & Dunn at the 2025 ACM Awards was pure country gold. From the moment they stepped on stage to perform the beloved classic “Red Dirt Road,” it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another tribute—it was a celebration. The performance felt like a heartfelt conversation between the past and the present, delivered through three voices that understood the soul of country music.
The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, buzzed with anticipation as the familiar opening chords echoed through the arena. The crowd roared, recognizing the song that had been a part of so many road trips, high school memories, and late-night singalongs. For longtime fans of Brooks & Dunn, this was a moment that brought the past rushing back with open arms.
What made this performance even more special was Cody Johnson’s presence. A Texas native with a rugged charm and voice to match, Johnson didn’t just sing—he lived the lyrics. His admiration for Brooks & Dunn was obvious, not through words, but through the reverent way he delivered every line of the song. He wasn’t just covering a hit—he was honoring a legacy.
Ronnie Dunn’s vocals, as powerful and effortless as ever, blended beautifully with Johnson’s deep, gritty tone. Kix Brooks added his signature flair, and together the trio created a harmony that felt like warm southern air on a summer night. It wasn’t just tight musically—it was emotionally rich, like three friends reminiscing over a shared past.
Cody stepped forward for the second verse, and the crowd quieted to take in the emotion in his voice. His delivery was raw, honest, and full of respect. You could feel that this song had shaped him—that the “Red Dirt Road” wasn’t just a lyric, but a place he knew. A place that raised him, broke him, and built him again.
As the chorus rang out again, their voices joined in harmony, and it felt like the entire arena was lifted. There was no barrier between stage and audience—just one massive, joyful singalong. Everyone knew the words, and more importantly, everyone knew the feeling. That’s the magic of a song like this—it belongs to all of us.
The backdrop behind them lit up with visuals of winding dirt roads and sunsets over open fields, adding even more warmth to a performance already overflowing with heart. It wasn’t flashy, and it didn’t need to be. It was real. It was country. And it was unforgettable.
Brooks & Dunn have always had a knack for making songs that hit you right in the gut, but this one hit differently. Maybe it was the presence of Cody Johnson, representing a new wave of country artists who still carry that classic sound. Maybe it was just the chemistry on stage, which felt natural, brotherly, and full of joy.
There were no egos here. Just three men telling a story we’ve all lived in some way—growing up, falling down, getting back up, and holding on to the places and people that shaped us. “Red Dirt Road” is more than a song; it’s a journey. And for a few minutes, everyone in that building was walking it together.
Cody and Brooks & Dunn took their time, letting each lyric breathe. It never felt rushed. It felt like a love letter to every fan who’d ever turned up the radio when this song came on, to every dusty road that taught someone a lesson, to every moment that left a scar worth remembering.
As the final chorus swelled, the three voices joined in one triumphant burst. The crowd was on their feet, clapping and singing at the top of their lungs. Smiles, tears, and cowboy hats filled the room, creating a scene that was pure country bliss.
When the last note played and the lights dimmed, the standing ovation was instant and deafening. Cody clapped Ronnie on the back, Kix threw an arm around him, and all three took a bow. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a coronation. Cody Johnson had stepped into a moment once reserved for legends and made it his own.
Fans flooded social media with praise, calling it one of the highlights of the night. Some said it felt like a dream; others said it reminded them why they fell in love with country music in the first place. That’s the power of a great song performed with sincerity—it brings people together.
For Cody Johnson, this moment marked a new chapter. Not just as a rising star, but as a worthy torchbearer of the music he grew up on. And for Brooks & Dunn, it was a joyful reminder that their songs still live strong in the hearts of every generation.
As the crowd filtered out, still humming the melody, it was clear this performance wasn’t just memorable—it was legendary. Country music lives in moments like this. Moments where the dust rises, the crowd sings, and three cowboys on stage remind us all what it means to come home on that red dirt road.
