‘I am chopped liver’: Cody Johnson says his 7-month-old son already has a favorite parent at 2026 ACM awards

Country star Cody Johnson had both a career milestone and a personal parenting revelation to share at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday night, May 17, where he was named Male Artist of the Year. Speaking to Billboard from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the 38-year-old singer opened up about life with his 7-month-old son Jaycee, whom he shares with wife Brandi Johnson.

“It’s been great, man,” Johnson said while discussing fatherhood. But the singer admitted that despite his efforts, his youngest child already seems to have a clear favorite parent.

“He's fat, he's healthy, he's a mama's boy,” the “‘Dirt Cheap” singer said to the outlet. “I didn't know that it was gonna be like that.” “I play with him, I'm pretty rough. And mama walks in the room, says one word and it's ‘muh muh muh.' I am chopped liver around the house with that kid,” Johnson joked.



Johnson and Brandi, who married in 2008, welcomed Jaycee in October 2025. The couple also share daughters Clara Mae, 11, and Cori, who was born in 2017. The pair first announced they were expecting another child during the 2025 ACM Awards.

The country singer entered this year’s ceremony with four nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Visual Media of the Year. He was also among the night’s featured performers alongside Lainey Wilson and Riley Green.

Johnson is also preparing for the release of his upcoming album, Banks of the Trinity, set to arrive on June 26. The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, streamed live on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.