d+ “I Didn’t Expect to Cry Tonight… She Did That. SHE DID THAT.” — Riley Green BEGS the CMA Crowd to Understand the Moment as Ella Langley’s Explosive, Tear-Soaked Debut STOPS the Entire Arena Cold and Leaves George Strait Whispering, “That’s How You Keep Country Alive”!!!

Riley Green’s voice trembled as he watched Ella Langley step into the spotlight — and from the very first note of “Choosin’ Texas,” the CMA audience fell into a stunned, tear-soaked silence.

Ella didn’t just sing… she claimed the room. Her gritty, lived-in country soul rolled through the arena like a storm, sending chills through fans both in their seats and watching at home. Mid-song, she whispered into the mic:

“This is my Texas, my heart, my everything.”

Every person there felt it — sharp, raw, and impossibly real.Cameras cut to George Strait, standing tall, eyes glimmering as he clapped with quiet pride. Under his breath, he murmured:

“That’s how you keep country alive.”

Riley Green nodded beside him, visibly shaken, and in that electric moment the crowd understood: this wasn’t just a debut — it was a legacy being born right in front of them. A masterclass in fire, emotion, and Texas soul…

Ella Langley brought her current single “Choosin’ Texas” to life with a spirited, true-to-country performance at the 2025 CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 19).

Donning a western-inspired red and white ensemble with fringe, the country superstar strummed her acoustic guitar and belted out the lyrics to the anthemic track amid a backdrop of sparkling stars, a nod to the Lone Star State.

Langley launched her show-stopping performance with a couple doing a lively two-step at the end of the stage as she performed the song.

“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/ It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see/ A cowboy always finds a way to leave/ Drinkin’ Jack all by myself/ He’s choosin’ Texas, I can tell,” Langley sang on the song’s irresistible chorus.

The glittery visuals, combined with her confident performance, further cemented her status as one of country music’s rising superstars.

Co-written by Langley alongside Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor, “Choosin’ Texas” will appear on Ella Langley’s forthcoming new album, which has yet-to-be announced. Of writing the song with Lambert, Langley gushed, “I’ve looked up to Miranda Lambert for as long as I’ve known who she was, and she’s somebody who I just would have loved to write a song with. So getting the chances to write ‘Choosin’ Texas’ with her and a couple other songs off this record has, I mean, it was just one of the coolest things. I mean, who gets to do something they dreamed about as a little kid? And I was like, that little kid got to come out and experience that day.”

Langley was nominated for six awards, 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”), and New Artist Of The Year.

Ahead of the show, Ella Langley opened up about her six nods during an interview with ABC, sharing, “It’s crazy… just grateful is the only word I can give out. Wow. It was just really cool to see that three women were most-nominated. That was probably the most exciting part for me. It’s just so cool because we’re all three so different, but we all love country music and just holding down the fort up there for other women to come through. And let me tell ya there’s a lot of good ones coming through, so this ain’t gonna be the last time three women are most nominated.”

The 59th Annual CMA Awards featured unforgettable performances from BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Chris Stapleton and more.

In addition to performances, the show also featured a star-studded list of presenters and special guests, including Lady A, Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman and more.

“Country Music’s Biggest Night” also honored Vince Gill with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The 68-year-old country music legend was celebrated with a special tribute performance before accepting the coveted award.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards was a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton was the Executive Producer, Alan Carter was the Director and Jon Macks was the Head Writer.

Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the 2025 CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00–11:00 PM ET) on ABC and will be made available to stream the following day on Hulu.