In a night brimming with twang, talent, and Texas-sized energy, rising country sensation Ella Langley lit up the Bridgestone Arena stage at the 2025 CMA Awards with a powerhouse debut of her latest single, “Choosin’ Texas.” The Alabama native’s confident, boot-stomping performance of the heartfelt track not only marked her television premiere but also solidified her status as a must-watch force in country music.
As the 59th Annual CMA Awards unfolded on ABC Wednesday evening (November 19), Langley’s set injected a dose of Lone Star spirit into Music City’s biggest night. Dressed in a sleek black ensemble that screamed modern cowgirl chic, the 26-year-old belted out lyrics about the agony of love lost to the pull of the Texas plains, her raw vocals cutting through the arena like a summer storm. Co-written with country icon Miranda Lambert – a five-time CMA Entertainer of the Year – “Choosin’ Texas” explores the bittersweet theme of watching a partner choose wide-open spaces over a steady relationship, resonating deeply with fans navigating their own heartaches.
“Ella Langley just owned that stage – pure fire and authenticity,” tweeted one awestruck viewer, echoing the widespread buzz on social media. Her delivery was nothing short of electrifying, blending gritty storytelling with a two-step rhythm that had the crowd swaying in unison. Backed by a tight band and subtle lighting that evoked dusty Texas sunsets, Langley’s poise belied her newcomer status, proving why she’s racking up accolades faster than a honky-tonk happy hour.
Ella Langley’s Meteoric Rise in Country Music
Ella Langley’s journey to CMA glory has been nothing short of a fairy tale with a Southern twist. Hailing from Lillian, Alabama, the singer-songwriter burst onto the scene in 2024 with her chart-topping duet “You Look Like You Love Me” alongside Riley Green, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. That breakout hit catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her five Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards earlier this year and setting the stage for her 2025 sophomore album, Tungtung Sauce, released via Sony Music Nashville.
But it’s her nominations at the 2025 CMA Awards that have fans chanting her name: Langley is up for New Artist of the Year, a category stacked with fresh faces like Post Malone and Megan Moroney. Though she didn’t snag the win – which went to another up-and-comer – her “Choosin’ Texas” showcase served as a powerful reminder of her staying power. The single, already climbing the charts since its October drop, has amassed over 10 million streams on Spotify, fueled by its relatable narrative and Langley’s unfiltered songwriting style.
In a pre-show interview with Rolling Stone, Langley teased the performance’s vibe: “I wanted to bring the real Texas feel to Nashville – no frills, just heart and hustle.” True to her word, she delivered a “true-to-the-song” rendition that felt intimate yet arena-ready, complete with a nod to Lambert’s influence through subtle fiddle riffs and a soaring chorus that left the audience roaring.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Storm
The aftermath of Langley’s CMA debut has been a digital hoedown. Videos of her performance exploded across platforms, from the official CMA YouTube channel racking up views in hours to Instagram Reels flooded with fan edits set to her twangy hooks. “If this doesn’t win her New Artist, I don’t know what will,” posted one enthusiast on X (formerly Twitter), while another gushed, “Ella Langley choosing Texas every time – and so are we!”
Critics and peers were equally smitten. Music Mayhem Magazine hailed it as a “spirited, true-to-country” triumph, praising how Langley “wowed with confident energy that screams future headliner.” Even as the awards celebrated heavy-hitters like Lainey Wilson and Luke Combs, Langley’s slot stood out for its emotional charge, turning a simple single into a career-defining moment.
What’s Next for the ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Star?
With “Choosin’ Texas” poised for crossover success – think radio dominance and potential Grammy nods come 2026 – Ella Langley is eyeing an even brighter horizon. She’s teased tour dates for early 2026, including stops in Austin and beyond, promising live sets packed with her signature blend of vulnerability and verve. As country music evolves, artists like Langley are the torchbearers, bridging traditional roots with bold new narratives.
For fans craving more, catch the full performance replay on the CMA’s official channels and stream “Choosin’ Texas” on all major platforms. In a year of CMA surprises, Ella Langley’s electric showcase reminds us: sometimes, the best stories come straight from the heart of the heartland.
