Country Star Cody Johnson Cancels Remaining 2025 Tour Dates Due to Emergency Surgery

Due to a ruptured eardrum that necessitates immediate surgery, Cody Johnson has been forced to cancel the remaining dates of his arena tour. The country music star, who is a top nominee at the upcoming CMA Awards, shared the difficult announcement on his social media channels. He expressed his profound disappointment, stating, “It is with a very heavy heart I have to share the remainder of this year’s concert performances will not be able to happen.” The injury was caused by a severe sinus and upper respiratory infection, and the resulting damage is so significant that an operation is unavoidable. His medical team has mandated a recovery period of several weeks, during which he is strictly forbidden from singing.

In a follow-up video, Johnson provided a positive update, confirming he was back home after a successful procedure. He was seen with a bandage on his left ear and explained that without the surgery, his recovery could have stretched for months instead of weeks. The six canceled performances affect shows in Pittsburgh on October 18, a two-night stand in Birmingham on October 24-25, a headline slot at Louisiana's Boots in the Bayou festival on October 31, a Phoenix concert on November 8, and a Las Vegas date on December 5. This is not the first disruption for the tour; several Columbus, Ohio dates were previously postponed in September due to vocal strain from a respiratory illness, with organizers aiming to reschedule them for 2026. Ticket holders are being directed to await further communication from their original vendors for refunds.

The cancellation comes at a pivotal moment for Johnson, who leads all male artists with four CMA Award nominations this year. His recognition spans the prestigious Entertainer of the Year category, Male Vocalist of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for his duet with Carrie Underwood, "I’m Gonna Love You." Johnson's rise to mainstream fame was solidified by his 2019 major-label debut, 'Ain’t Nothin’ to It,' an album that achieved platinum status and showcased his signature sound—a compelling fusion of traditional country instrumentation with contemporary lyrical themes. An industry expert commented, "While canceling a tour at this career zenith carries significant financial and professional consequences, safeguarding his long-term vocal health is an absolute priority for any serious artist."

It remains uncertain if Johnson will be medically cleared to perform at the CMA Awards ceremony on November 19, where his nominations would typically guarantee a performance slot. His representatives have not yet clarified his attendance plans. Looking forward, his scheduled appearances offer a beacon of hope for fans. Johnson is still set to headline the massive 2025 Stagecoach Festival in California—one of the largest country music gatherings in the United States, which will also feature Post Malone and Lainey Wilson. His next currently booked concert is a Valentine's Day performance on February 14 in Louisville, Kentucky, marking a tentative and eagerly anticipated return to the stage.