Morgan Wallen’s 2025 album I’m the Problem has been a massive success, with its fifth single, “What I Want,” featuring Canadian pop star Tate McRae, debuting at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 (Wikipedia). This collaboration marked Wallen’s first duet with a female artist, blending his signature country sound with McRae’s pop sensibilities. However, when Wallen brought out rising country star Ella Langley to perform the song during his I’m the Problem tour stop in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 28-29, 2025, fans began to speculate whether Langley or another country artist might have been a better fit for the original recording (Holler). This article explores the fan-driven debate, the context of Wallen’s choice of McRae, and whether a country artist like Langley could have brought a different flavor to the track.
The Wisconsin Performance That Sparked Speculation
On June 28, 2025, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, Morgan Wallen made history by becoming the first artist to secure a second show at the 76,000-capacity venue (WGH-FM). During the first night, he surprised fans by bringing out Ella Langley to perform “What I Want,” where she sang Tate McRae’s part. The performance was a standout moment, with Langley’s powerful vocals and undeniable stage presence earning praise. According to Holler, Langley showcased the “charisma and swagger” she’s become known for, particularly through her hit “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green.
Social media buzzed with reactions. An X post by @CountryRebelCo noted that Langley’s performance gave the song “a new sound,” while a TikTok user quoted in American Songwriter lamented, “I still feel like we got robbed,” suggesting Langley should have been the original duet partner. However, not all feedback was positive. An X post by @mikiefries referenced “nasty remarks” about Langley’s first-night performance, possibly due to nerves, but praised her second-night effort in the rain, indicating mixed fan reactions.
| Platform | User | Comment | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | Anonymous | “I still feel like we got robbed” | June 2025 |
| X | @CountryRebelCo | “Morgan Wallen’s song ‘What I Want’ has been at the top of the charts for several weeks, and it got a new sound over the weekend when Ella Langley filled in for pop singer Tate McRae.” | June 30, 2025 |
| X | @mikiefries | “Really hoping Ella gets her first solo #1. That would be sweet revenge for all the nasty remarks that were made about her performance with Morgan Wallen ‘What I Want’ on night 1 on tour – just nerves.” | June 30, 2025 |
Fan Speculation: Was Tate McRae the Original Choice?
The speculation about whether another artist was intended for “What I Want” stems from Wallen’s own comments about the song’s creation. In an interview with Billboard, Wallen revealed that the song “wasn’t originally intended to be a duet,” but after listening to it multiple times, he felt McRae’s voice would add a “dynamic element.” He further noted that his sister introduced him to McRae’s music years ago, and they had discussed collaborating for some time. This suggests that McRae was a deliberate choice, and there’s no evidence indicating another artist was considered for the feature (Holler).
Despite this, the enthusiastic response to Langley’s live performance has led some fans to question whether a country artist might have been a better match. The song’s lyrics, which explore a fleeting connection between two emotionally guarded individuals, lend themselves to both country and pop interpretations (Stay Free Radio). However, Langley’s country roots and raw vocal style could have emphasized the song’s emotional depth in a way that resonates more with Wallen’s core audience.
Ella Langley vs. Tate McRae: A Stylistic Comparison
Ella Langley, a 26-year-old singer-songwriter from Hope Hull, Alabama, has quickly risen in the country music scene with her debut album Hungover and the chart-topping single “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green (Wikipedia). Her music, described as “smooth Alabama whiskey” with “dyed-in-the-wool country storytelling,” blends heartfelt ballads with anthemic hooks (Opry). Her performance with Wallen in Wisconsin demonstrated her ability to match his energy and deliver a compelling country rendition of “What I Want.”
In contrast, Tate McRae, a Canadian pop star known for hits like “You Broke Me First,” brings a polished, pop-infused vocal style to the duet. Her contribution to “What I Want” creates a crossover appeal, blending Wallen’s country roots with a modern pop sensibility (Stay Free Radio). While this has broadened the song’s reach, it has also sparked criticism from McRae’s fans, who expressed disappointment over her collaboration with Wallen due to his controversial past, including a 2021 racial slur incident and a 2024 reckless endangerment charge (USA Today).
The stylistic differences are evident. Langley’s country authenticity could have reinforced the song’s roots, potentially appealing more to Wallen’s traditional fanbase. McRae’s pop flair, while effective, introduces a different dynamic that some fans find less cohesive with Wallen’s sound. As one Reddit user on r/tatemcrae noted, “Tate’s part was beautiful,” but others felt the song was “boring” or criticized Wallen’s voice, highlighting the polarized reception.
Could Another Country Artist Have Been Considered?
While Ella Langley’s live performance has fueled speculation, other female country artists could also have been strong contenders for the duet. Artists like Kelsea Ballerini, known for her pop-country crossover hits, or Maren Morris, with her soulful and versatile voice, might have brought a similar authenticity to “What I Want” while maintaining broad appeal. Wallen has previously collaborated with artists like Miranda Lambert, who joined him for “Cowgirls” during the same Wisconsin shows (WGH-FM). However, Wallen’s comments suggest he specifically wanted McRae for this project, likely due to her vocal versatility and their prior connection.
Langley’s rising star status makes her a particularly compelling choice. Having toured with Wallen, Cody Johnson, and Luke Bryan, and with a CMA Award for her collaboration with Riley Green, she has the credibility and fanbase to hold her own alongside Wallen (Ella Langley Official). A duet with her could have further elevated her career while delivering a pure country sound that resonates with fans who prefer traditional collaborations.
The Controversy Surrounding the Collaboration
The choice of McRae over a country artist like Langley has been complicated by Wallen’s controversial reputation. McRae’s fans voiced strong objections on social media, with comments like “I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you! How dare you?” and “Girl we love you pls cancel that collab with Wallen pls” flooding her Instagram post (USA Today). This backlash stems from Wallen’s past, including a 2021 racial slur incident and a 2024 guilty plea to reckless endangerment charges (Yahoo Entertainment). A country artist like Langley, who shares Wallen’s genre and fanbase, might have faced less scrutiny, as their collaboration would likely be seen as a natural fit within the country music community.
The debate over whether Ella Langley or another country artist should have been the duet partner on “What I Want” reflects the diverse tastes of music fans and the challenges of cross-genre collaborations. Tate McRae’s contribution has undeniably contributed to the song’s chart success and crossover appeal, but Langley’s live performance in Wisconsin has left fans wondering what a pure country duet might have sounded like. While there’s no evidence that another artist was originally considered for the feature, the enthusiastic response to Langley’s rendition suggests a missed opportunity for a collaboration that could have resonated deeply with Wallen’s core audience. As Wallen continues his I’m the Problem tour, fans will likely keep speculating about future collaborations, hoping for more moments like the one Langley delivered in Wisconsin.
