Fans Applaud Cody Johnson's Willie Nelson Tribute at ACM Awards

Cody Johnson took the stage at the 2023 ACM Awards to perform a tribute to country music legend Willie Nelson, taking on the song, "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," which Nelson originally recorded with Waylon Jennings.

The 35-year-old's performance had viewers in awe, and they shared their stunned reactions on social media.

A longtime fan wrote, "Honoring the great @WillieNelson at the @ACMawards is the pride of TEXAS himself, @codyjohnson. Lucky to have the chance to enjoy COJO for over a decade. #ACM #ACMawards."

"@codyjohnson singing ‘Momma Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys’ is the definition of perfection! #ACMawards," said another.

One viewer praised his voice, saying, "It’s hard not to love @codyjohnson’s voice. I mean, COME ON. #ACMawards."

Many viewers called out Johnson's performance as the definition of country music, with comments like, "@codyjohnson just showed the world what country music is. #ACMawards," and "People in country music, be more like Cody Johnson and less like, well, any other new artist."

A viewer said of the Nelson tribute, "Cody Johnson came into the @ACMawards like an assassin! It was nice to have that country music break during this awards show. Well done, sir. #COJO."

Johnson definitely has a lot of fans in his home state of Texas, with one comment reading, "That Boi @codyjohnson the real deal! Doing Texas Hella proud! #ACMawards."

Johnson recently told Audacy’s Katie & Company ahead of the tribute performance, "To get to celebrate Willie’s 90th birthday and play one of his songs, it’s a big deal to me. Willie’s one of my biggest heroes."

He previously covered Nelson's song “Sad Songs and Waltzes” and included it on his album Human: The Double Album, released in 2021.