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Cody Johnson got everyone moving when he took the stage at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, performing his smash hit song “’Til You Can’t.” Appropriately, actor Dennis Quaid introduced the Texas-born artist as one who’s “about to be a legend everywhere” before he took the stage in Downtown Nashville.
Johnson’s heartfelt song encourages listeners to seize opportunities to share sentimental moments with loved ones while they have time to enjoy those moments, whether it’s doing “some largemouth fishing (with) your old man,” putting “a diamond on her hand,” or taking “that phone call from your momma,” Johnson sings: “If you got a chance, take it, take it while you got a chance/ If you got a dream, chase it, 'cause a dream won't chase you back/ If you're gonna love somebody/ Hold 'em as long and as strong and as close as you can/ ’Til you can’t.”
“I’ve worked for over 15 years in the country music industry,” Johnson previously said in a statement about his hit song. “I’ve played just about every bar, honkytonk, nightclub, and festival there is along the way, with the goal always in mind of having my brand of country music played at the level to achieve a #1 hit. God’s timing is perfect, and here we are…. The road to this point hasn’t always been easy or fun, but something worth achieving is rarely an easy task. Thanks to everyone who has had a hand in making 'Til You Can’t' such a special song for me and my family. It means the world to us.”
It was a memorable night for Johnson, who also took home the award for CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year. He earned it for “Dear Rodeo,” from CMT Campfire Sessions. Later in the evening, he won the Male Video of the Year award for “’Til You Can’t,” praising “long live country music” when he accepted the award on stage.
Johnson is one of many artists included in the star-studded lineup at the iHeartCountry Festival presented by Capital One, set for May 7 in Austin, Texas. Fans can tune in and stream the 2022 iHeartCountry Festival on iHeartMedia's Country music radio stations in local markets across the country, as well as on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio app on May 7th at 8pm ET/5pm PT (7pm CT). Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
Relive Johnson’s performance here: