Summary (tl;dr)

Ella Langley's hit song "Choosin' Texas," co-written by Miranda Lambert, is trending due to its record-breaking chart performance and the recent release of its star-studded music video, which features actor Luke Grimes.

Essential Background

The song "Choosin' Texas" was co-written by Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, and Joybeth Taylor during a writing retreat in October 2024. The inspiration for the track came from a humorous story Miranda Lambert shared about getting pulled over with a kangaroo in her car while having Texas license plates. Released as a single on October 17, 2025, "Choosin' Texas" serves as the lead single for Langley's highly anticipated second studio album, "Dandelion," which is set to be released on April 10, 2026.

The Full Story

"Choosin' Texas" has achieved remarkable commercial success, becoming Ella Langley's first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 9, 2026. The song made history by simultaneously topping the Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts, a first for a female artist. Furthermore, it broke Taylor Swift's previous record for the longest-running No. 1 by a solo female country artist on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for four non-consecutive weeks.

The song's popularity has surged with the premiere of its star-studded music video on April 1, 2026. The video features Luke Grimes, known for his roles in Yellowstone and Marshals, as Langley's love interest, and includes a performance by co-writer Miranda Lambert with her band. Other notable appearances in the video include Ava Phillippe and Kaitlin Butts. Directed by Langley herself, alongside Wales Toney and Caylee Robillard, the video was filmed at the iconic Stagecoach Ballroom in Fort Worth, Texas. Luke Grimes publicly praised the catchy song and expressed his admiration for Langley, which led to his involvement in the video. Miranda Lambert has also frequently performed "Choosin' Texas" live, including at the Daytona 500, further amplifying its reach and acknowledging her integral role in its creation.

Why It Matters

The exceptional chart success of "Choosin' Texas" marks a significant turning point for Ella Langley's career, showcasing that a traditional country song can achieve widespread mainstream appeal without relying on viral social media trends or pop star remixes. The release of a high-profile music video featuring popular actor Luke Grimes and an established country icon like Miranda Lambert generates substantial buzz, attracting diverse fan bases and ensuring the song's continued visibility and cultural relevance. This collaboration also highlights the supportive dynamics within the country music community, as established artists actively champion and elevate emerging talent.

Geographic Location

• Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas, United States (Ella Langley debuted "Choosin' Texas" live)
• Durant, Bryan County, Oklahoma, United States (Ella Langley played "Choosin' Texas" live)
• Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (Ella Langley shared the song's inspiration at The Listening Room)
• Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, United States (Filming location for the "Choosin' Texas" music video at the Stagecoach Ballroom)
• Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida, United States (Miranda Lambert performed "Choosin' Texas" at the Daytona 500)