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“I DIDN’T BREATHE FOR 10 SECONDS — THAT’S HOW REAL IT WAS.” Riley Green stood there frozen, like he still couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. When Ella Langley walked out, the lights hadn’t even settled yet, but the very first note of “Choosin’ Texas” dropped the packed arena into absolute silence. There was something rough and real in her voice — the kind of emotion you can’t rehearse, only survive. Halfway through, Ella bowed her head and whispered, “This is my Texas… my heart.” Just a tiny line, but it hit everyone right in the chest. The camera cut to George Strait. He stood tall, eyes shining, and said softly to the person beside him, “That’s how you keep country alive.” Riley could only nod, his throat tight. In that moment, everyone knew they hadn’t just watched a performance — they’d witnessed something being born. A little history. A new fire.

Ella Langley Ignites the 2025 CMA Awards With a Stunning Performance of “Choosin’ Texas”

Ella Langley lit up the stage at the 2025 CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 19) with a spirited, fiercely country performance of her current single, “Choosin’ Texas.” The rising superstar delivered one of the night’s standout moments, showcasing why she’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about artists in modern country music.

Wearing a bold red-and-white Western outfit complete with fringe, Langley stepped confidently into the spotlight, strumming her acoustic guitar as a shimmering star-filled backdrop lit up behind her — a visual tribute to the Lone Star State that inspired the song.

A True Country Moment on the CMA Stage

Langley opened her performance with a couple two-stepping at the end of the stage, immediately setting the tone for the lively, dance-ready anthem. As she delivered the chorus, her powerful voice soared through the arena:

“She’s from Texas, I can tell by the way
He’s two steppin’ ’round the room
And judgin’ by the smile that’s written on his face
There’s nothin’ I can do…
He’s choosin’ Texas, I can tell.”

The visual sparkle, the lively choreography, and Langley’s confident stage presence cemented her status as one of country music’s brightest new stars.

A Song Born From a Dream Collaboration

Co-written with Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, and Joybeth Taylor, “Choosin’ Texas” is set to appear on Langley’s upcoming (yet-to-be-announced) album. Speaking about writing with Lambert, Langley shared 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.”

Six CMA Nominations — A Breakout Year

Ella Langley entered the night with six nominations, including:

  • 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

Before the show, Langley reflected with ABC on her nominations:
“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.”

A Night Filled With Unforgettable Performances

The 59th Annual CMA Awards delivered a powerhouse lineup including Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Patty Loveless, The Red Clay Strays, and many more.

This year also honored Vince Gill with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrated through a special tribute performance before Gill accepted the prestigious honor.

Star-Studded Guests & Presenters

The show featured appearances from Lady A, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Steve Martin, Bailey Zimmerman, Ella Langley herself, and many more.

A Production Worthy of “Country Music’s Biggest Night”

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 on Nov. 19 and became available the next day on Hulu.

Photos

Ella Langley; Photo Courtesy of 2025 CMA Awards

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“THEY’RE BACK AT CMA 2025… AND THIS TIME ALL EYES ARE ON THEM.” Last year, Ella Langley and Riley Green stepped onto the CMA stage like two familiar strangers — nobody expected much, and then the whole room shot to its feet when they launched into “You Look Like You Love Me.” That moment exploded online, pulling in more than 12 million views in just a few days, and no one forgot the way they looked at each other under that warm gold light. This year feels different. They’re no longer the pair who got “invited up for a surprise.” They’re walking back in with big nominations, real wins, and a wave of fans cheering them on. Now everyone’s wondering: will they repeat last year’s magic… or create something even bigger?

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“A 2× PLATINUM SONG… AND A MOMENT THAT FELT EVEN BIGGER.” Riley Green turned that sold-out arena in Athens into the softest, most emotional moment of the night. When he brought little Logan on stage to sing “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” the lights dimmed, the crowd fell quiet, and thousands of phone lights flickered like stars. Logan stood there — small, steady, and singing with every bit of heart he had. Each line felt like it carried the memory of someone’s grandfather in the crowd. You could see people blinking back tears. Moments like this remind us why country music hits so deep — because it comes from real love, real stories, and the memories we never quite let go of.

Country Music

“10,000 HEARTS IN ONE ROOM — AND EVERY SINGLE ONE HELD ITS BREATH WHEN SHE STARTED TO SING.” Ella Langley didn’t just sing “Choosin’ Texas” at the CMA Awards — she shook the whole room. From the first line, her voice came in rough, real, and full of fire. You could feel it in the way people stopped talking, the way cameras zoomed in, the way the noise of the arena suddenly dropped. By the time she hit the big chorus, it wasn’t just a song anymore. It felt like a warning shot to Nashville: I’m here now. Fans are already calling it the performance of the night… and the moment Ella Langley truly arrived.

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Country Music

“THEY’RE BACK AT CMA 2025… AND THIS TIME ALL EYES ARE ON THEM.” Last year, Ella Langley and Riley Green stepped onto the CMA stage like two familiar strangers — nobody expected much, and then the whole room shot to its feet when they launched into “You Look Like You Love Me.” That moment exploded online, pulling in more than 12 million views in just a few days, and no one forgot the way they looked at each other under that warm gold light. This year feels different. They’re no longer the pair who got “invited up for a surprise.” They’re walking back in with big nominations, real wins, and a wave of fans cheering them on. Now everyone’s wondering: will they repeat last year’s magic… or create something even bigger?

Country Music

“A 2× PLATINUM SONG… AND A MOMENT THAT FELT EVEN BIGGER.” Riley Green turned that sold-out arena in Athens into the softest, most emotional moment of the night. When he brought little Logan on stage to sing “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” the lights dimmed, the crowd fell quiet, and thousands of phone lights flickered like stars. Logan stood there — small, steady, and singing with every bit of heart he had. Each line felt like it carried the memory of someone’s grandfather in the crowd. You could see people blinking back tears. Moments like this remind us why country music hits so deep — because it comes from real love, real stories, and the memories we never quite let go of.

Country Music

“10,000 HEARTS IN ONE ROOM — AND EVERY SINGLE ONE HELD ITS BREATH WHEN SHE STARTED TO SING.” Ella Langley didn’t just sing “Choosin’ Texas” at the CMA Awards — she shook the whole room. From the first line, her voice came in rough, real, and full of fire. You could feel it in the way people stopped talking, the way cameras zoomed in, the way the noise of the arena suddenly dropped. By the time she hit the big chorus, it wasn’t just a song anymore. It felt like a warning shot to Nashville: I’m here now. Fans are already calling it the performance of the night… and the moment Ella Langley truly arrived.

Country Music

“30 MILLION WATCHING — AND NOT ONE PERSON COULD SIT STILL WHEN SHE STEPPED OUT.” When the CMA lights dimmed, Lainey Wilson didn’t just appear — she came out like she’d been waiting her whole life for that exact second. One mic, one spotlight, and she tore through those classic hits with a fire that felt bigger than the room. You could see legends smiling, leaning in like they knew they were watching the next chapter of country music unfold. Fans were already posting before she even finished the medley. And by the end of the night? Entertainer of the Year. Female Vocalist. Album of the Year. Lainey didn’t just arrive… she kicked the damn door open.