Ella Langley Lights Up the CMA Awards With Powerful “Choosin’ Texas” Debut

Ella Langley didn’t just take the CMA Awards stage—she made it hers. On Wednesday night, the rising country powerhouse delivered a stunning performance of her fast-climbing hit “Choosin’ Texas,” marking the song’s long-awaited television debut.

Surrounded by towering sparkling stars and backed by her trademark fire and sincerity, Langley commanded the room from the moment she stepped under the lights. A couple two-stepped in front of her as she sang, adding a warm, cinematic touch to a performance that felt straight out of a classic country dream.

“Choosin’ Texas” was co-written by Langley alongside Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, and Joybeth Taylor. Langley and Lambert also co-produced the track with Ben West, and fans may recognize Lambert’s voice layered into the background vocals throughout the recording.

The song made an immediate splash at country radio, earning adds at 130 stations during its first week—ranking as the third-largest add week for a solo female release this decade.

And Langley didn’t come into the night quietly. Heading into the 59th Annual CMA Awards, she was tied as the most-nominated artist of the year alongside Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson, with six nominations each. Her nods included:

• Single of the Year – “You Look Like You Love Me”

• Song of the Year – “You Look Like You Love Me”

• Female Vocalist of the Year

• Musical Event of the Year – “Don’t Mind If I Do”

• Music Video of the Year – “You Look Like You Love Me”

• New Artist of the Year

Speaking with Country Now before the show, she admitted the whirlwind of recognition still felt surreal.

“People keep asking me about it, and it’s nuts,” she said. “So many cool things happen so fast in this job that it usually takes a couple days to sink in.”

The celebrations started early when Langley secured a CMA win for Music Video of the Year with Riley Green for “You Look Like You Love Me.”

Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the 59th Annual CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and featured performances from a powerhouse lineup including Keith Urban, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, and more.

Collaborations lit up the night as well, with standout pairings such as Luke Combs & BigXthaPlug, Shaboozey & Stephen Wilson Jr., and Chris Stapleton & Miranda Lambert.

Presenters and special guests included Lady A, Jordan Davis, Steve Martin, NE-YO, Billy Bob Thornton, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Ella Langley, and a long list of stars representing music, film, comedy, and TV.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards will be available for next-day streaming on Hulu.