‘It Just Seems Like More Men Are Timid Nowadays’

Gretchen Wilson has wrapped up a few rounds of interviews while promoting her new role on the brand new music competition series, The Road. During one conversation, she revealed she once quarreled with fellow country artist Cody Johnson.

Recalling the moment during her chat with Taste of Country Night’s Evan Paul,  Wilson said the argument occurred years ago at a show they both played in Texas. At the time, Wilson was at the height of her career while Johnson was still making a name for himself outside the Lone Star State.

“We didn’t start out too good, me and Cody,” Wilson acknowledged while recalling the concert. “We had to share the stage, and there were little arguments over who was going to get to use the entirety of the stage and stuff.”

Despite being at odds, the “Redneck Woman” singer insisted neither she nor Johnson was in control of the situation.

“It wasn’t he and me personally, it was our people,” the 52-year-old Illinois native explained. “I’m not even sure if he’s aware of that.”

Although their initial interaction wasn’t necessarily warm or friendly, Wilson says the two artists are on good terms.

“We’ve just played a show together recently. I was so glad that he came out and watched my show,” she gushed. “I got to hang out with him and talk to him for a little while. He didn’t bring it up, so I don’t think he remembers it. Thank goodness, because it was like, ‘What ignorant stuff to be fighting over, really.’ But, when you’re first coming up, that little bit of stage matters.”

Does Gretchen Wilson Think Cody Johnson Will Win the 2025 CMA Entertainer of the Year Award?

Johnson is currently up for the coveted CMA Entertainer of the Year heading into country music’s biggest night, which takes place on November 19. He is in the running alongside host Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen.

On whether or not she thinks Johnson could win the crown, Wilson says, “Absolutely! Absolutely! And, also being said that, I’m really proud of the ladies too.”

She’s not just proud of the ladies; Wilson shares her opinion on females in country music in general, calling them more “boisterous” than their male counterparts.

Wilson Believes Men Are ‘Timid’ in the Country Genre

When asked if “there are too many sissies in country music,” she answered: “Well, I see that more on the male side than the female side, actually.”

“It just seems like more men are timid nowadays than women are,” Wilson reasoned. “Maybe that’s just where we’re at in our world, but it does seem like women are a lot more boisterous than they used to be, unafraid, and they are ready to kick the doors down and make something happen. Men seem to be standing around asking for permission.”

“I’m not afraid to say it, we’ve kinda squashed the male demographic as a whole,” she continued. “If I had a son, I’d be a little bit afraid right now in today’s world.”

Wilson serves as tour manager on The Road, which debuted on Sunday, October 19. The show, which follows 12 emerging musicians as they compete as opening acts for Keith Urban, also includes Urban, Blake Shelton, and Taylor Sheridan in various roles. The Road airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Folks can stream the show the next day on Paramount+.

Related: Traditional Country Artist Recalls the ‘Trainwreck’ Meeting He Had With Hank Williams Jr.: ‘It Was a Disaster’

This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.