Country music superstar Cody Johnson is taking over the country countdown this Sunday, November 15, 2026, joining legendary radio personality Lon Helton as the special guest co-host of Country Countdown USA on Continuous Country KWCK 99-9.
Arkansas country music fans can hear Cody Johnson on KWCK 99-9’s Country Countdown USA during the special 3-hour broadcast from 12 noon until 3 PM. KWCK 99-9 is part of the ArkansasRadio.com radio stations.
The special program will feature Johnson discussing his latest music, his 4 nominations for the upcoming CMA Awards, his record-breaking Houston concert, and memorable conversations with some of country music’s biggest stars.
Listeners will also hear the biggest country hits of the week, including Johnson’s current Top 20 single, “Horseback.”
Cody Johnson Joins Lon Helton This Sunday on KWCK 99-9
Cody Johnson will spend Sunday afternoon with Lon Helton, sharing stories from his career and offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his life on and off the stage.
The special edition of Country Countdown USA will feature Johnson’s trademark cowboy personality, personal stories, and reflections on his continued success in country music.
Johnson has become one of country music’s biggest stars, building a career on traditional country influences, energetic live performances, and songs that connect with audiences.
The Texas native is known for his authentic country style and his commitment to the music and values that shaped his career.
This Sunday’s broadcast gives Arkansas fans an opportunity to hear Johnson in a relaxed setting as he discusses his music, accomplishments, and friendships within the country music industry.
4 CMA Award Nominations for Cody Johnson
Johnson enters the upcoming 60th Annual CMA Awards with 4 major nominations.
The awards ceremony will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Johnson is nominated in the following categories:
- Entertainer of the Year
- Male Vocalist of the Year
- Single of the Year – “The Fall”
- Music Video of the Year – “The Fall”
The nominations represent another important milestone for Johnson, who has spent more than 20 years building his music career.
This marks his 2nd CMA Entertainer of the Year nomination.
During his conversation with Lon Helton, Johnson discusses what the nomination means after years of hard work.
For Johnson, simply being recognized alongside some of country music’s biggest performers represents an important accomplishment.
He compares winning Entertainer of the Year to earning the ultimate prize in professional rodeo.
Johnson describes the award as the “Gold Buckle” of country music.
He says winning would fulfill a dream that began when he was a young boy watching legendary performers such as Reba McEntire and Merle Haggard.
Even without a victory, Johnson says the nomination recognizes years of dedication to his music and fans.
The Story Behind “The Fall” Music Video
Johnson also shares the behind-the-scenes story of filming the music video for his hit single “The Fall.”
The video, which is nominated for CMA Music Video of the Year, features Johnson performing in heavy rain.
Although the finished video created a memorable visual presentation, the filming conditions were anything but comfortable.
Johnson tells Helton that the production involved extremely cold water and a torrential downpour.
The conditions became so difficult that Johnson discarded his boots after filming.
Despite the uncomfortable experience, Johnson says he was pleased with the final result.
The song has also earned a nomination for CMA Single of the Year.
“Horseback” Brings Traditional Country Sound to the Countdown
Johnson’s current hit “Horseback” is climbing the country charts and is featured among the Top 20 songs on Country Countdown USA.
The song showcases Johnson’s traditional country influences, including the use of spoken verses.
During Sunday’s program, Johnson explains how classic country performers influenced that recording style.
He recalls discussing the approach with his producer, who pointed to legendary artists such as Conway Twitty and Johnny Cash.
Johnson says hearing those classic recordings helped him recognize that spoken passages have long been part of traditional country music.
He enjoyed recording “Horseback” and considers it one of his favorite songs from his latest album.
The track is featured on Johnson’s 2026 album, “Banks of the Trinity.”
Cody Johnson Breaks George Strait’s Houston Record
One of the most entertaining stories featured during Sunday’s broadcast involves Johnson breaking a concert attendance record previously held by country music legend George Strait.
On March 22, 2026, Johnson performed before 80,203 fans at Houston’s NRG Stadium, establishing a new record for concert-only attendance at the venue.
The performance surpassed Strait’s previous record of 80,108 fans, set in 2019.
Johnson broke the record by 95 attendees.
Later, Johnson had an opportunity to spend time with Strait while performing with him in South Carolina.
During their conversation, Johnson told Strait about breaking his Houston attendance record.
According to Johnson, Strait responded with humor, suggesting he might have to return to Houston and reclaim the title.
Johnson says the opportunity to spend time talking with one of his musical heroes meant a great deal to him.
He also recalls receiving encouragement from Strait about his career and approach to country music.
The conversation was especially meaningful because Strait has long been one of Johnson’s musical influences.
More Stories About Country Music’s Biggest Stars
Cody Johnson will also share stories involving several of today’s most popular country performers.
During Sunday’s countdown, listeners can expect conversations and behind-the-scenes stories about:
- Parker McCollum
- Corey Kent
- Jelly Roll
- Luke Combs
- Bailey Zimmerman
- Lainey Wilson
The special program combines these stories with the week’s biggest country songs, giving fans an opportunity to hear music and interviews in the same broadcast.
Lon Helton Brings Country Music’s Biggest Stars to KWCK
Country Countdown USA is hosted by nationally recognized country radio personality Lon Helton.
Each week, Helton welcomes a different country music star to help count down the Top 30 country songs while sharing exclusive interviews, backstage stories, and news from Nashville.
Helton is one of country radio’s most honored broadcasters.
His career includes induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.
He has received numerous industry honors recognizing his contributions to country music broadcasting.
Country Countdown USA has become known for giving country music listeners the opportunity to hear their favorite stars discuss their careers, friendships, personal experiences, and the stories behind the songs.
This Sunday From 12 Noon Until 3 PM on KWCK 99-9
Arkansas country music fans are invited to tune in Sunday, November 15, for the special Cody Johnson edition of Country Countdown USA.
The program will feature 3 hours of country music, entertainment, and conversation with Johnson and Lon Helton.
Listeners will hear Johnson discuss his 4 CMA Award nominations, the story behind “Horseback,” the rain-soaked video for “The Fall,” and his memorable conversation with George Strait.
The program will also feature music and stories about other major country stars.
Don’t miss Cody Johnson co-hosting Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton this Sunday from 12 noon until 3 PM on Continuous Country KWCK 99-9.
Program Information
Program: Country Countdown USA
Special guest co-host: Cody Johnson
Host: Lon Helton
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Time: 12 Noon – 3 PM
Radio station: Continuous Country KWCK 99-9 FM
Next week’s special guest: Riley Green
Source: Country Countdown USA; Cody Johnson official website; Country Music Association; Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; ArkansasRadio.com radio stations
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