Texas native Cody Johnson made waves as he closed out this year’s RodeoHouston with a headlining set on Sunday night (March 22). His show set a new all-time concert-only attendance record as he welcomed 80,203 guests to NRG Stadium, with a set that also featured openers Jon Pardi and Randy Houser.
RodeoHouston and Johnson shared a joint post about the record on Instagram, writing, “HISTORY MADE! HISTORY MADE 🤩80,203 guests showed out tonight at RODEOHOUSTON for an unforgettable performance by @codyjohnson, @jonpardi and @randyhouser shattering the all-time concert-only attendance record.”
In addition to regaling the crowd with his solo hits such as “Dear Rodeo,” “The Painter” and “Til You Can’t,” Johnson also had some surprises for the audience. He welcomed Carrie Underwood to join him for their duet “I’m Gonna Love You,” and invited Latin music star Carín Leon for a rendition of their duet “She Hurts Like Tequila.”
“I’m Gonna Love You” previously earned Johnson and Underwood CMA nominations for musical event of the year, and music video of the year (the clip was directed by Dustin Haney).
The annual RodeoHouston features plenty of entertainment for rodeo fans, but also a string of top-notch concerts. This year’s RodeoHouston ran from March 2 through March 22, with a performer lineup that included Riley Green, Megan Moroney, Forrest Frank, J Balvin, Lizzo, Dwight Yoakam, Tim McGraw, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey and Pepe Aguilar, as every evening, an artist spearheaded the stage at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
RodeoHouston has been a Texas mainstay for decades beginning in 1932. A decade later, the show welcomed its first entertainer, Gene Autry. Other artists who have performed at RodeoHouston over the years include Elvis Presley, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Beyonce, Selena, Alabama, Charlie Daniels Band, Charley Pride, Chris Stapleton and Faith Hill.
See RodeoHouston and Johnson’s joint announcement below:
