There is a certain collaborative spirit that has always run through country music. It’s given us some of the most iconic duets ever: Johnny and June, Dolly and Kenny, Loretta and Conway. These days, listeners have been waiting with bated breath to witness a partnership between two of modern country’s biggest names: Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson. The hitmakers have previously teased a future duet of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn’s “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man.” Concertgoers who attended Johnson’s final show of 2024 got a surprise sneak peek of what a duet between the two sounds like. And frankly, we want more

Lainey Wilson Surprises Sold-Out Crowd at Cody Johnson Show

If 2024 was a harbinger of things to come for Cody Johnson, we’ll be hearing from this man for years. The 37-year-old Texan clinched his first-ever Album of the Year trophy at this year’s CMAs for his latest record, Leather. Last Friday (Dec. 13), Johnson wrapped up a wildly successful 2024 with one final sold-out show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

However, the “Dirt Cheap” crooner had one final surprise up his sleeve when he welcomed Lainey Wilson to the stage. The Grammy-winning artist joined Johnson for a spirited rendition of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.”

It’s truly a marvel that this duet sounded this stellar. Both artists were grinning so widely it’s a wonder they were able to get the words out. “That’s Lainey Wilson!” Johnson proudly shouted out at one point.

Ed Bruce recorded the original version of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” in 1975, after penning the song with wife Patsy Bruce. Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson later popularized the track with their 1978 duet.

The Recognition That “Takes the Cake” For Lainey

Lainey Wilson has famously hustled her way to stardom. In 2011, she left behind her tiny Louisiana hometown and moved into a camper trailer outside a Nashville recording studio.

The last couple of years have seen all that hard work coming to fruition, as Wilson took home the Grammy for best country album and the CMA Award for female vocalist of the year. However, the “4x4xU” singer didn’t truly feel she’d “made it” until this one particular honor happened.

“When I got invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry this past year, that is better than any award I could ever get,” she told People. “The Grand Ole Opry is a magical place. My parents took me there when I was nine years old.”