Cody Johnson Performs “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” on CMA Country Christmas
on Dec 03, 2024
CMA Country Christmas celebrated its 15th year with “one-of-a-kind musical performances” to ring in the holiday season. Filmed in Nashville, Tennessee, the annual special, which beautifully blended country and Christmas music, aired on ABC on December 3rd.
Trisha Yearwood and Amy Grant returned to host for the second consecutive year. Additionally, the two leading ladies performed various songs throughout the night, both as a pair and as soloists.
Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, Cee Cee Winans, for KING + Country, Carin León, and Brittney Spencer also took the stage to deliver their take on beloved Christmas tunes.
How “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” became a season staple
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was originally crafted by lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent. It was written from the perspective of a soldier stationed overseas in WWII who writes a letter to his loved ones. He assures them that he will be home for Christmas “if only in [his] dreams.”
Bing Crosby recorded the ballad in 1943 and made it a top-ten hit. Since then, countless artists have covered the song, including Elvis Presley, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, and more.
Cody Johnson performs on CMA Country Christmas
In 2023, Cody Johnson hosted his own Christmas special. This year, he joined the CMA Country Christmas lineup and performed the timeless favorite, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”
Johnson began the performance standing next to a grand piano. As he sang the well-known lyrics, he took steps forward towards the audience, captivating them with every step and every lyric.
This may have been a cover, but Johnson sang it as though he had written it himself. He knows the song well, as he included it on his 2021 album, A Cody Johnson Christmas.
Watch Cody Johnson deliver a stunning performance of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” on CMA Country Christmas below!
