In a monumental milestone for her burgeoning career, country music sensation Ella Langley has topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for the first time with her single “Choosin’ Texas.” The track surged from No. 4 to No. 1 on the chart dated December 2, 2025, marking a significant achievement for the 26-year-old Alabama native. This leap comes amid a breakout year for Langley, who has been steadily building momentum in the country scene with her raw, unfiltered songwriting and powerhouse vocals.
From Alabama Roots to Nashville Stardom
Born Elizabeth Camille Langley on May 3, 1999, in Hope Hull, Alabama, Ella’s journey to country music fame began in her teenage years. She honed her craft by performing in local bars and festivals, captivating audiences with her authentic style. At age 20, she made the bold decision to drop out of college and relocate to Nashville in 2019 to pursue music full-time. This move paid off as she quickly immersed herself in the city’s vibrant songwriting community.
Langley’s debut album, Hungover, released on August 2, 2024, showcased her ability to blend relatable storytelling with gritty, heartfelt lyrics. Prior to “Choosin’ Texas,” she scored hits like “You Look Like You Love Me” (a duet with Riley Green that earned her a 2024 CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year and topped Country Airplay and Mediabase charts) and “Weren’t for the Wind,” which hit No. 1 on Mediabase in July 2025. These successes, including six CMA and ACM Awards in 2025 for the Green collaboration, solidified her as one of country’s most promising new voices.
The Rise of “Choosin’ Texas”
Released on October 7, 2025, “Choosin’ Texas” was co-written by Langley alongside Luke Dick and country icon Miranda Lambert. The song made an impressive debut at No. 7 on the Hot Country Songs chart—Langley’s first Top 10 entry there—and entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 39. It has since racked up over 36 million streams on Spotify in less than two months, blending modern country vibes with classic storytelling about choices, heartbreak, and finding solace in the Lone Star State.
The track’s artwork, featuring a couple in a red convertible, sparked fan speculation about a rumored love triangle involving Langley, Riley Green, and Megan Moroney. However, during a concert in Athens, Georgia, in October 2025, Langley playfully shut down questions about the song’s inspiration, saying, “This girl’s up here, she’s trying to get me to spill the tea on who it’s about. Baby, I ain’t ever gonna do that. I ain’t never gonna do that. But I am gonna play the song, it’s called ‘Choosin’ Texas.’”
A pivotal boost came from her performance of the song at the CMA Awards the previous month, which propelled its streaming and sales. Post-CMAs, the non-holiday track became the top country song in sales and streaming, with her album jumping to No. 7 on charts. It even climbed to No. 11 on the Hot 100 following the holiday weekend, holding strong at No. 1 on US iTunes.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The achievement has sparked widespread celebration across social media and industry outlets. Billboard Charts announced the jump on X, noting it as her first career No. 1. Country Chord echoed the excitement: “Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ climbs from No. 4 to No. 1 this week on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, her first-ever to reach the top spot.” Fans and outlets like Whiskey Riff and Country Rebel congratulated her, highlighting this as a landmark in her rapid rise.
Even without taking home major CMA trophies like Female Vocalist or New Artist of the Year, many see Langley as the “real winner” due to the massive post-awards spikes in her music’s performance. Chart watchers like Hits of Our Lives noted its dominance on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, predicting potential Top 10 Hot 100 status.
Looking Ahead
With “Choosin’ Texas” dominating airwaves and streams, 2025 is shaping up to be Ella Langley’s year. Her blend of traditional country roots with contemporary edge has resonated widely, and this #1 hit is likely just the beginning. As she continues touring and releasing music, fans can expect more anthems that capture the heart of modern country. For now, Langley’s choice of Texas—and country music—seems to be paying off in spades.
