A sad country song about Texas could become the biggest hit ever
Vox · 2026-08-29
Ella Langley's song "Choosin' Texas" is on track to become one of the biggest hits ever, having already spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as of August 29, 2026. This ties it for the longest time atop the charts for a non-holiday song, and it is poised to potentially surpass Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which holds the record at 22 weeks. The song, released shortly after Langley's 2024 debut album "Hungover," is described as a sad, relatable country song about a woman losing her man to an ex from Texas, yet its sound is "airy and fresh," contributing to its broad appeal. Its success is particularly significant for women in the country music industry, where female artists often account for less than 10% of radio airplay. Despite her low profile, Langley's song has been politicized, with both far-right and left-leaning groups attempting to frame its message to suit their narratives, which some attribute to her decision not to share much about her personal views.