Cody Johnson Shares Why Carrie Underwood Was 'Non-Negotiable' On New Duet

Cody Johnson said selecting Carrie Underwood as his duet partner “was a non-negotiable.”

The two country stars are teaming up on a highly-anticipated duet, “ I’m Gonna Love You ,” which is set to release at the end of this month. The collaboration is the first single from Johnson’s upcoming album that’s expected to release this fall. Though the Texas-born hitmaker has yet to announce details about the record, he confirmed the deluxe edition of Leather was on the way earlier this year at the 2024 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Leather included Johnson’s hit singles “The Painter” and “Dirt Cheap,” among other highlights on the record.

“From the moment I heard this song, I heard Carrie’s voice on it. It was a non-negotiable for me; either we sing it together, or I wouldn’t sing it at all. It’s that special to me,” Johnson said in a press release issued Thursday morning (September 19). “Working with Carrie has been an absolute pleasure. She’s not only one hell of a singer, but she’s a class act all the way around. It warms my heart to work with someone who’s seen so much success in their career and they’re still so down to earth. I feel like this duet is going to be massive in so many ways, and I couldn’t be prouder of it!”

Johnson announced earlier this week that “I’m Gonna Love You” will make its debut on Friday, September 27. Chris Stevens , Kelly Archer and Travis Denning teamed up to write the song, which was produced by Trent Willmon . Johnson has previously hinted at a collaboration with Underwood. The pair met in person for the first time backstage at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, notes the press release.

“From the time I first heard his voice, I knew Cody had something special,” Underwood said in a statement. “I’m excited for our fans to hear this special collaboration.”