Dressed in a bold red-and-white Western outfit adorned with fringe, Langley stepped confidently into the spotlight, strumming her acoustic guitar against a shimmering star-filled backdrop that visually paid tribute to the Lone Star State. The atmosphere was electric as she opened her performance with lively two-stepping at the edge of the stage, instantly setting the tone for this dance-ready anthem.
As Langley delivered the chorus, her powerful voice echoed throughout the Bridgestone Arena:
“She’s from Texas, I can tell by the wayHe’s two steppin’ ’round the roomAnd judgin’ by the smile that’s written on his faceThere’s nothin’ I can do…He’s choosin’ Texas, I can tell.”
The combination of visual sparkle, engaging choreography, and Langley’s confident stage presence solidified her status as one of country music’s brightest new stars.
Co-written with country music heavyweights Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, and Joybeth Taylor, “Choosin’ Texas” is set to feature on Langley’s upcoming yet-to-be-announced album. Reflecting on the experience of writing with Lambert, Langley expressed her excitement:
“I’ve looked up to Miranda Lambert for as long as I’ve known who she was… Getting the chance to write ‘Choosin’ Texas’ with her and some of the other songs on this record was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. That little kid who dreamed of this got to live it.”
This collaboration not only highlights Langley’s songwriting prowess but also her ability to connect with established artists in the industry, further enhancing her credibility as a rising star.
Entering the CMA Awards with six nominations, including Single of the Year and New Artist of the Year, Langley reflected on her achievements before the show. Her nominations 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 YearMusical 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
Langley expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s crazy… just grateful is the only word I can give out. And seeing three women being the most-nominated? That was the coolest part. We’re all so different, but we all love country music and we’re holding down the fort for the women coming next.”
The 59th Annual CMA Awards featured a powerhouse lineup of performances from various artists, including Luke Combs, Keith Urban, and Miranda Lambert. The evening also honored Vince Gill with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrated through a special tribute performance before Gill accepted the prestigious honor.
The ceremony was produced by the Country Music Association, with Robert Deaton as Executive Producer, Alan Carter as Director, and Jon Macks as Head Writer. Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and became available the next day on Hulu.
Ella Langley’s performance at the 2025 CMA Awards was not just a highlight of the night but also a testament to her rising star power in the country music scene. With a captivating stage presence, a powerful voice, and a promising future ahead, Langley is undoubtedly an artist to watch. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, her journey is just beginning, and fans can look forward to more incredible music from this talented performer.