The Country–Christian Music Wave Continues: Cody Johnson Joins Brandon Lake for a Major 2026 Crossover
At long last, one of the biggest questions hanging over country music in 2025 finally has an answer. It has been a year full of unexpected turns — from ongoing drama surrounding Gavin Adcock, Zach Bryan, Charley Crockett, Benjamin Tod and others, to the steady revival of traditional country led by Zach Top’s rise to superstardom. Add in Morgan Wallen’s continued dominance, which earned I’m The Problem the title of the most-streamed album in the United States on both Apple Music and Spotify, and fans have had more than enough to talk about.
Yet one of the most intriguing storylines was the surge of Christian music and its increasingly visible crossover into mainstream country. That momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing down as we look toward 2026 — especially with the announcement of another major collaboration between two powerhouse artists.
After months of rumors and an early hint back in October from Christian music star Brandon Lake, the news is finally official. The “Gratitude” singer confirmed today that Cody Johnson will appear on a new version of Lake’s single, “When A Cowboy Prays.” The re-release is set to arrive everywhere on Friday, January 9.
In a joint Instagram post featuring a preview of Johnson’s signature powerhouse vocals, Lake expressed just how meaningful this collaboration has become for him:
“The one and only Cody Johnson, y’all! I could not be more honored and proud of this version of ‘When A Cowboy Prays.’ I tear up every time I listen. So thankful for this collab and this friendship. Cowboy or not, I’m praying it blesses every one of you and reminds you of the power of prayer. Available January 9th!”
A Breakout Year for Christian Music
It’s no secret that Christian and worship music experienced one of its strongest years in recent memory. Led by artists like Lake and Forrest Frank, 2025 even saw two Christian songs land on the Billboard Hot 100 — the first time that had happened in over a decade. Frank’s viral hit “Your Way’s Better” made waves, while the other breakout track, “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” became a defining Christian-country crossover moment, pairing Lake with multi-genre artist Jelly Roll.
The song was a runaway success, topping both the Hot Christian and Christian Airplay charts and being named Billboard’s #1 Christian song of 2025.
More Crossovers on the Horizon
But Lake’s move into country isn’t slowing down. Beyond his surprise onstage appearance with Cole Swindell — where they performed Lake’s emotional new single, “Make Heaven Crowded,” inspired by recent national discussions — Lake has also teased a brand-new song co-written with CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson. Following his wins at the ASCAP Awards for Christian Music Songwriter of the Year and Christian Music Song of the Year, Lake hinted that even more country collaborations are coming.
“Christian x Country Collision incoming 2026. To God be the glory!”
With the buzz surrounding “When A Cowboy Prays,” it’s clear that Lake’s journey into country music is only gaining momentum. Whether the new version will match or even surpass the lightning-in-a-bottle success of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” remains to be seen, but all signs point to another major moment for the South Carolina native.
While waiting for Cody Johnson’s feature next month, fans can revisit Brandon Lake’s original version below.
Brandon Lake – “When A Cowboy Prays” (Official Video)
Cody Johnson Tour Dates
- February 6–7 – Birmingham, Alabama – Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex
- February 13 – Champaign, Illinois – State Farm Center
- February 14 – Louisville, Kentucky – KFC Yum! Center
- February 27 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina – LJVM Coliseum
- February 28 – Columbia, South Carolina – Colonial Life Arena
- March 6 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – PPG Paints Arena
- March 7 – Baltimore, Maryland – CGF Bank Arena
- March 22 – Houston, Texas – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- March 28 – Little Rock, Arkansas – Simmons Bank Arena
- April 10 – Bossier City, Louisiana – Brookshire Grocery Arena
- April 24 – Indio, California – Stagecoach
- May 2 – Clemson, South Carolina – Death Valley (Clemson Stadium)
- May 9 – Des Moines, Iowa – Casey’s Corner
- May 30 – Rosemont, Illinois – Allstate Center
- July 11 – Cavendish, Prince Edward Island – Cavendish Beach Music Festival
- July 17–18 – Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide Arena
