At the ACM Honors on August 20 in Nashville, country superstar Cody Johnson received the prestigious Spirit Award, a tribute inspired by the legendary Merle Haggard. This award celebrates singer-songwriters who stay true to traditional country values while crafting unforgettable songs and storytelling, keeping Merle’s spirit alive in modern country music. Past winners include heavyweights like Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, and Eric Church.

According to the ACM, Johnson earned this recognition for his dedication to traditional country and his Texas roots. “With nearly 10 billion global streams, Johnson’s music connects deeply with heartland America, honoring Merle Haggard’s timeless storytelling. Staying true to his traditional country sound, Johnson is not just a success story—he is a true torchbearer,” the organization shared.

Luke Bryan Pays Tribute

Each honoree at the ACM Honors receives a tribute performance from another artist, and for Johnson, his longtime friend Luke Bryan took the stage. Bryan delivered a heartfelt performance of Johnson’s hit “‘Til You Can’t,” a song that debuted in 2021, hit #1 in 2022, and has since been certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA. Songwriters Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers even won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 2023 for this track.

Bryan gave the song everything he had, pouring energy and emotion into every note. Fans sharing clips online praised the performance, calling it a soaring tribute that perfectly captured Johnson’s impact on country music. While the ACM Honors weren’t broadcast live, fans can catch parts of the event during CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown on September 27, which will feature backstage moments, exclusive performances, and intimate conversations with honorees and performers.

Backstage Bromance

The night wasn’t just about music—there were some heartwarming moments too. Videos show Bryan and Johnson sharing a lighthearted “bromance” backstage, highlighting their friendship offstage as well as their mutual respect as artists.

With the Spirit Award and Bryan’s unforgettable tribute, Cody Johnson’s night at the ACM Honors was a true celebration of country music, tradition, and camaraderie. Fans can’t wait to see the full performance aired later this month.