Cody Johnson offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the day he recorded “I’m Gonna Love You” with Carrie Underwood in a studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

The two country stars met for the first time at the 2022 CMT Music Awards (and Underwood shared her first impression of Johnson with iHeartCountry), and later teamed up on the duet that appeared on Johnson’s deluxe edition of Leather. Johnson debuted the studio visualizer on Thursday (January 16).

Underwood, who joined Johnson as a surprise performer at the 58th CMA Awards, “challenges you” as a duet partner, Johnson said. He spoke about the duet on an episode of Biscuits & Jam, a podcast hosted by Southern Living Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans, and said at that time: “I think people have preconceived notions about what a big star is like, and she's not that. It's like having a friend that you didn't know you had. It's also really fun to sing with someone that challenges you. To know what caliber of vocalist that she is, that helps me step my game up, you know. It's been a real pleasure, and she's gone above and beyond. Even when we did the music video, I mean, we worked in there for 12 hours that day, and she never, never took the smile off her face and never complained.”

“I’m Gonna Love You” — written by Chris Stevens, Kelly Archer and Travis Denning and produced by Trent Willmon — released in late September. It was the first single from Johnson’s deluxe album that followed in November. He confirmed the extended project was on the way when he took the stage earlier in the year, at the 2024 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville. “I’m Gonna Love You” joined “The Painter,” “Dirt Cheap” and other hits from Johnson’s Leather era.

“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 previously said in a press release. “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!”

Watch Johnson and Underwood record “I’m Gonna Love You” in a Nashville recording studio here:

Lee France