Ella Langley
Ella Langley is a rising star in country music, blending traditional sounds with a fresh, authentic voice that resonates deeply with modern audiences. From small-town Alabama to topping the charts, her journey showcases the undeniable power of social media in launching new talent into the mainstream. Discover how this gifted singer-songwriter captured hearts and secured her place in country music history. Ella Langley's unique blend of Southern rock, folk, and country emerged from a rich, diverse musical upbringing in rural Alabama. Her breakthrough success was significantly amplified by her strategic use of social media, particularly TikTok, to connect directly with a burgeoning fanbase. Langley swiftly rose to prominence, achieving multiple number-one hits and critical acclaim shortly after her major label debut.
AI Summary
Ella Langley is a rising star in country music, blending traditional sounds with a fresh, authentic voice that resonates deeply with modern audiences. From small-town Alabama to topping the charts, her journey showcases the undeniable power of social media in launching new talent into the mainstream. Discover how this gifted singer-songwriter captured hearts and secured her place in country music history.
- Ella Langley's unique blend of Southern rock, folk, and country emerged from a rich, diverse musical upbringing in rural Alabama.
- Her breakthrough success was significantly amplified by her strategic use of social media, particularly TikTok, to connect directly with a burgeoning fanbase.
- Langley swiftly rose to prominence, achieving multiple number-one hits and critical acclaim shortly after her major label debut.
Who is Ella Langley?
Born Elizabeth Camille Langley on May 3, 1999, Ella Langley hails from Hope Hull, Alabama. This talented American singer-songwriter has rapidly carved out a significant space in the country music landscape, signing with major labels Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records.
Her journey culminated in the release of her debut album, 'Hungover,' on August 2, 2024. This album features the chart-topping, breakthrough hit 'You Look Like You Love Me,' a duet with fellow country star Riley Green, which truly propelled her into the national spotlight.
Early Life and Influences
Langley's passion for music began in a home filled with melodies, growing up alongside two brothers and a sister in a musically inclined family. Her earliest experiences included singing in local Baptist churches and joining informal community jam sessions—foundational moments that shaped her artistic path.
A particularly poignant influence was her grandfather, with whom she loved to sit at the piano, singing songs like 'Frog Went a-Courting.' After his passing, her father thoughtfully restrung her grandfather's guitar for her when she was just 14. That very night, she taught herself to play Bob Marley's iconic 'Three Little Birds.'
In 2016, Ella took to the stage for her first public performance at her high school, Hooper Academy, during a talent show. This experience ignited a spark, leading her to begin performing regularly at local venues, honing her craft and connecting with audiences on a grassroots level.
Initially, Ella pursued higher education, first attending Troy University before transferring to Auburn University to study forestry. However, the call of music was too strong to ignore, eventually leading her to fully embrace her burgeoning career as a singer-songwriter.
Crafting Her Sound
Her journey as a songwriter officially began in 2017 when she co-wrote 'Clear the Clouds' with her aunt, a song that emerged from a simple melody she played on a porch. This early creation was recorded in Elmore County, Alabama, at Guest House Studios, and released to YouTube, marking her first foray into recording.
On May 24, 2018, Langley released her debut single, 'Perfect.' While many of her early recordings were later removed from streaming platforms, she continued to build her audience by performing tirelessly at bars and festivals across Alabama over the next two years.
Nashville and The Rise of a Star
In 2019, Ella made the pivotal move to Nashville, Tennessee, immersing herself in the vibrant local songwriting community. She became a familiar face in numerous writers' rounds, steadily building a network and gaining crucial support from independent country platforms such as 'Raised Rowdy' and '65 South.'
The global COVID-19 pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity. Langley ingeniously shifted her focus to livestreaming and significantly expanded her online presence, particularly on TikTok. This digital pivot proved instrumental, allowing her to connect directly with a rapidly growing fanbase and showcase her raw talent.
Her persistent efforts paid off when she signed her first publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in 2021. That same year, she released 'If You Have To,' a track that gained considerable traction after she previewed it on social media, further demonstrating her knack for engaging her audience. By early 2022, she was already hitting the road, opening for country veteran Randy Houser.
Breakthrough Moments
October 2022 saw the release of her promotional single 'Country Boy's Dream Girl,' setting the stage for bigger things. Just a few months later, in February 2023, Langley officially signed a record deal with Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records, a monumental step in her career.
This exciting year also brought her unforgettable debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry on February 17, 2023—a true milestone for any country artist. She then collaborated with Koe Wetzel on 'That's Why We Fight,' released in April, followed by her highly anticipated debut EP, 'Excuse the Mess,' on May 19, 2023.
Beyond her solo work, Ella Langley proved her versatility as a songwriter, contributing to multiple tracks for other acclaimed artists. She co-wrote five songs on Elle King's album 'Come Get Your Wife' and the Runaway June single 'Make Me Wanna Smoke.' She also lent her voice to a duet with Kameron Marlowe, 'Strangers,' which served as the lead single from his second studio album.
Chart-Topping 'Hungover'
Langley's full-length debut studio album, 'Hungover,' launched on August 2, 2024, quickly making its mark. It debuted impressively at number 77 on the Billboard 200 and climbed to number 11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, signaling her arrival as a major force.
The album's success soared even higher with the release of the deluxe edition, 'Still Hungover,' on November 1, 2024, which saw it re-enter the Billboard 200 at a remarkable number 49. Among its tracks, the promotional single 'You Look Like You Love Me,' featuring Riley Green, became an undeniable phenomenon.
After going massively viral on TikTok, 'You Look Like You Love Me' made a splash on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 53. Released to country radio in August 2024, the song peaked at number 30 on Billboard Country Airplay, ultimately earning Platinum certification and reaching number 1 — a significant achievement that made her the only woman in 2024 to hit this milestone.
Her momentum continued into 2025. The second single from the deluxe album, 'Weren't for the Wind,' released to country radio in January, became her highest-charting single on the Hot 100, peaking at No. 18, and her second consecutive country radio number one.
Artistry and Personal Journey
Ella Langley's distinct musical style is a rich tapestry woven from rock, country, and folk influences. Growing up, her ears were constantly filled with music — classic rock and country riding shotgun in her dad's truck, while 80s new wave and folk serenaded her from her mom's car.
She deeply admires artists known for their raw, honest songwriting, such as Stevie Nicks and Willie Nelson. This appreciation for authenticity shines through in her own work, where she masterfully combines Southern rock grit, folk introspection, and country storytelling to create a sound that is uniquely her own.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Ella Langley is also transparent about her personal journey. She openly discusses her Christian faith and her experiences with mental health, connecting with her audience on a deeper, more vulnerable level that resonates far beyond her captivating melodies.
Accolades and Tours
Langley's undeniable talent quickly garnered industry recognition. In 2024, she was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, ultimately winning the coveted New Female Artist of the Year award. Her hit 'You Look Like You Love Me' also secured multiple ACM wins, including Single of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year.
To support her burgeoning discography, Ella embarked on several successful tours. She headlined the 'Hungover Tour' in 2024 and the 'Still Hungover Tour' in early 2025, with another joint headlining 'Damn Country Music Tour' alongside Riley Green also set for 2025. She has also had the honor of opening for major artists like Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, and even Morgan Wallen, solidifying her presence on the live music circuit.
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Ella Langley
Elizabeth Camille Langley (born May 3, 1999) is an American country music singer-songwriter from Alabama. She is signed to Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records. Her debut studio album, Hungover (2024), produced her breakthrough hits "You Look Like You Love Me" (with Riley Green) and "Weren't for the Wind", both of which reached number one on the Country Airplay chart.
Her second studio album, Dandelion (2026), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was led by "Choosin' Texas", which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Langley the first female artist to simultaneously top the Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts.
Early life
Ella Langley
Elizabeth Camille Langley was born in Hope Hull, Alabama, on May 3, 1999, and grew up in a musically inclined family alongside her two brothers and sister. Langley was homeschooled in Montgomery for six years until seventh grade due to being a "distraction". Her early exposure to music came through singing in local Southern Baptist churches and informal jam sessions within her community. She loved sitting next to her grandfather at the piano, singing "Frog Went a-Courting". After her grandfather's death, her father had his guitar restrung for her when she was 14. That same night, she looked up the chords to "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley, teaching herself to play the song. She initially practiced performing in front of her family's cow pasture.
In 2016, she gave her first public performance at Hooper Academy in Hope Hull, to perform in the student talent show. During high school, she worked at a trampoline park to fund her early musical ventures. Afterwards, she began performing at local venues leading up to her graduation in 2017. Initially accepted to Troy University, she transferred to Auburn University to study forestry. During college, she was a member of Phi Mu sorority.
Career
2017–2023: Early career and Excuse the Mess
In 2017, Langley co-wrote her first song, "Clear the Clouds", with her aunt, starting from a melody she played on her porch at home. The song was recorded at Guest House Studios in Eclectic, Alabama, and released on YouTube. Her debut single, "Perfect" was released on May 24, 2018, although it and much of her early catalog was later removed from streaming platforms. Over the next two years, she continued to perform across Alabama at various bars and festivals. In 2019, Langley moved to Nashville and immersed herself in the local songwriting community and participated in numerous writers' rounds. She gained support from independent country platforms, including "Raised Rowdy" and "65 South" during that time. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she shifted her focus to livestreaming and expanding her online presence.
In 2021, she signed her first publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Also in 2021, she released a track, titled "If You Have To", after previewing the single on TikTok. In early 2022, Langley joined Randy Houser as a guest artist on his tour. On October 28, Langley released the promotional single, "Country Boy's Dream Girl". In 2023, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut on February 17.
The following week, she signed a record deal with Sony Music Nashville and Columbia Records. She collaborated with Koe Wetzel on the song "That's Why We Fight", released on April 21. Her debut extended play (EP), Excuse the Mess, came out on May 19. In addition to her solo work, Langley co-wrote multiple tracks for other artists, including five songs on Elle King's Come Get Your Wife and a Runaway June single, "Make Me Wanna Smoke". Langley also recorded a duet with Kameron Marlowe titled "Strangers", which served as the lead single from his second studio album, Keepin' the Lights On. From 2023 through 2024, she opened for artists Jon Pardi and Riley Green.
2024–present: Hungover and Dandelion
Ella Langley in 2025
Langley's full-length debut studio album, Hungover, was released on August 2, 2024. It debuted at No. 77 on the Billboard 200 and No. 11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. After the release of the deluxe edition, Still Hungover, on November 1, 2024, the album re-entered the Billboard 200 at No. 49. Among several promotional singles, "You Look Like You Love Me", featuring Riley Green, gained significant traction after going viral on TikTok. It became her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 53. Released to country radio on August 5, 2024, the song peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay, ultimately earning Platinum certification and going to No. 1—making her the only woman in 2024 to achieve this milestone.
In June 2024, Langley announced the Hungover Tour to support her debut album. A subsequent headlining run, the Still Hungover Tour, took place from January through April 2025. The second single from the deluxe album, "Weren't for the Wind", was released to country radio on January 2, 2025. It became her then-highest-charting single on the Hot 100, peaking at No. 18, and her second country radio No. 1. Her second duet with Riley Green "Don't Mind If I Do" was her third country radio number one song. She also collaborated with American rapper BigXthaPlug on his country rap song "Hell at Night". Langley is one of a few entertainment celebrity spokespeople for Chase Bank's 2025 advertising campaign promoting its Sapphire Reserve premium credit card.
Langley confirmed that the release of her second album would be delayed until 2026, a decision she says is driven by her desire to take her time crafting the material rather than rushing a follow-up album. Prior to its release, she released the singles "Never Met Anyone Like You", a collaboration with Hardy in June, and "Choosin' Texas", co-written and co-produced with Miranda Lambert. "Choosin' Texas" went viral on TikTok and debuted at No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest debut at the time. The song would go on to become the first by a female artist to reach number one on the Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts all at once. It has spent 18 non-consecutive weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100, the longest reign among female country singers.
On January 27, 2026, Langley formally announced her second album, Dandelion, which released on April 10, 2026. The album's title track, "Be Her", and "Loving Life Again" were released in promotion for the record. Dandelion debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, making it Langley's first number-one album and the largest streaming debut for an album of new country material by a female country primary artist. The second single "Be Her" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, being blocked from the top by her own "Choosin' Texas", making her the first female country primary artist in history to occupy the top 2 simultaneously. An all-female lineup of opening acts was booked for her Dandelion tour, which ran through August 2026, featuring artists like Gabriella Rose, Kaitlin Butts, Avery Anna, Laci Kaye Booth, and Madeline Edwards.
Artistry
Ella Langley
Langley's influences include rock, country, and folk. She admires artists including Stevie Nicks and Willie Nelson for their raw, honest songwriting and she also appreciates 1970s and '80s rock bands for their performances on stage, artistry, and music. She combines Southern rock, folk, and country influences to create a raw, authentic sound shaped by her musical upbringing.
Personal life
Ella Langley
Langley has been outspoken about being a Christian and her journey with mental health struggles, including depression and impostor syndrome.
Langley has resided in Nashville, Tennessee since 2019.
Other ventures
Ella Langley
In 2025, Langley participated in St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Music Gives to St. Jude Kids fundraising campaign, appearing in promotional materials for the charity's annual shirt initiative.
In February 2026, Langley was named American Eagle Outfitters' "Denim Darling", serving as the face of their "American Eagle Jeans Country" advertisement campaign.
Langley debuted her "Be Her" fragrance in April 2026, developed in partnership with NOYZ.
Discography
Ella Langley
• Hungover (2024) • Dandelion (2026)
Tours
Headlining
• Hungover Tour (2024) • Still Hungover Tour (2025) • Damn Country Music Tour (2025) (with Riley Green) • The Dandelion Tour (2026)
Opening
• Live in Concert (2022) (with Randy Houser) • Mr. Saturday Night World Tour (2023) (with Jon Pardi) • Gravel & Gold Tour (2024) (with Dierks Bentley) • One Night at a Time (2024) (with Morgan Wallen) • Ain't My Last Rodeo Tour (2024) (with Riley Green) • I'm the Problem Tour (2025) (with Morgan Wallen) • Free the Machine Tour (2026) (with Eric Church) • Still The Problem Tour (2026) (with Morgan Wallen)
Awards and nominations
Ella Langley
<table><thead><tr><th>Award</th><th>Year</th><th>Work</th><th>Category</th><th>Result</th><th>Ref.</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td rowspan="11">Academy of Country Music Awards</td><td rowspan="6">2025</td><td rowspan="2">Herself</td><td>Female Artist of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td><td rowspan="6"></td></tr><tr><td>New Female Artist of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4">"You Look Like You Love Me" (with Riley Green)</td><td>Single of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Song of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Musical Event of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Visual Media of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="5">2026</td><td rowspan="2">Herself</td><td>Artist-Songwriter of the Year</td><td>Won</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Female Artist of the Year</td><td>Won</td><td rowspan="4"></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">"Choosin' Texas"</td><td>Single of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Song of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>"Dont Mind If I Do" (with Riley Green)</td><td>Music Event of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="6">American Music Awards</td><td>2025</td><td rowspan="3">Herself</td><td>Favorite Country Female Artist</td><td>Nominated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="5">2026</td><td>New Artist of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td><td rowspan="5"></td></tr><tr><td>Favorite Country Female Artist</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">"Choosin' Texas"</td><td>Song of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Song of the Summer</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td>Best Country Song</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="7">Country Music Association Awards</td><td>2024</td><td>"You Look Like You Love Me" (with Riley Green)</td><td>Musical Event of the Year</td><td>Won</td><td rowspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="6">2025</td><td rowspan="2">Herself</td><td>Female Vocalist of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td><td rowspan="6"></td></tr><tr><td>New Artist of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">"You Look Like You Love Me" (with Riley Green)</td><td>Single of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Song of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>Music Video of the Year</td><td>Won</td></tr><tr><td>"Don't Mind If I Do" (with Riley Green)</td><td>Musical Event of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1">CMT Music Awards</td><td>2024</td><td>"That's Why We Fight" (with Koe Wetzel)</td><td>Collaborative Video of the Year</td><td>Nominated</td><td rowspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1">Dove Awards</td><td rowspan="1">2026</td><td>"Speaking Terms"</td><td>Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year</td><td>Pending</td><td rowspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">iHeartRadio Music Awards</td><td rowspan="3">2026</td><td>Herself</td><td>Best New Country Artist</td><td>Won</td><td rowspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td>"Choosin' Texas"</td><td>Best Lyrics</td><td>Nominated</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td>Still Hungover Tour</td><td>Favorite Tour Style</td><td>Nominated</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">MTV Video Music Awards</td><td rowspan="2">2026</td><td rowspan="2">"Choosin' Texas"</td><td>Song of the Year</td><td>Pending</td><td rowspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td>Best Country</td><td>Pending</td></tr></tbody></table>