In a remarkable achievement for country music, Ella Langley has shattered previous records with her hit single “Choosin’ Texas,” which has now maintained its position at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for an unprecedented 23 weeks. This milestone surpasses the former record of 22 weeks held by Mariah Carey’s iconic holiday song “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The shift in these rankings was officially recognised on 22 September 2023.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Ella-Langley-Mariah-Carey-092226-6412c87185f54ea0bd9bf464237ad75b.jpg)
“Choosin’ Texas” was co-written by Langley, along with fellow country artist Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, and Joybeth Taylor. Released in October 2022, the song serves as the lead single from Langley’s debut album, *Dandelion*, which was launched earlier this year on April 10. Langley noted that Lambert’s unique experiences in Texas provided inspiration for the song, revealing a humorous anecdote about a car incident that involved both a dog and a kangaroo.
Langley elaborated on this quirky inspiration during an interview with *Rolling Stone*, recounting a vivid image of Lambert getting pulled over by the police while having a kangaroo as her passenger. She humorously suggested that the officer must have instantly recognised Lambert as a Texan, sparking a creative conversation that led to the birth of “Choosin’ Texas.”
As the Billboard Hot 100’s longest-running No. 1 hit in history, “Choosin’ Texas” not only showcases Langley’s songwriting prowess but also positions her as a significant force in the contemporary country music scene. The track has not only garnered attention for its record-breaking performance but has also received critical acclaim, earning two Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and one American Music Award, along with several nominations for the upcoming Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.
In total, Langley received nine nominations for this year’s CMA Awards, with three nods specifically for “Choosin’ Texas” in the categories of Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. She has also been recognised in the broader categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for *Dandelion*. Additionally, her collaborations have been celebrated, with her single “Be Her” nominated for both Single and Song of the Year, while her partnership with Morgan Wallen on “I Can’t Love You Anymore” secured a nomination for Musical Event of the Year.
The overall impact of “Choosin’ Texas” extends beyond award nominations. The single has achieved over 1.6 billion streams globally, highlighting its widespread appeal and resonance with audiences. The music video for the song has attracted 86 million views, further cementing Langley’s status as a rising star in the country genre.
Before Langley’s record-setting achievement, the record for the longest consecutive reign at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 was held by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. This was preceded by Carey’s own hit with Boyz II Men, “One Sweet Day,” and Whitney Houston’s timeless classic “I Will Always Love You.”
Langley’s success with “Choosin’ Texas” marks a pivotal moment in her career and for country music as a whole. As she continues to collect accolades and break records, it is clear that Ella Langley is not just a passing trend but a significant and influential artist in the current musical landscape. Her innovative storytelling and compelling performances may well inspire future generations within the genre.
As anticipation builds for the CMA Awards on the horizon, Langley’s accomplishments will surely be a central topic of conversation, reminding audiences of the power and reach of country music in today’s diverse musical world.