Ella Langley is reveling in the success of her breakout single “You Look Like You Love Me” and the release of her debut album, Hungover. Speaking with Billboard on August 2, the day her 14-track album launched under SAWGOD/Columbia Records, Langley described the moment as feeling like “the best birthday” despite it not being her actual birthday.
Langley, a native of Hope Hull, Alabama, has been gaining significant attention on social media with her flirty, pedal steel-infused single. The song, a duet with fellow country artist Riley Green, has climbed to No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and previously reached No. 5 on the TikTok Top 50 chart and No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The track’s popularity surged following its initial solo release by Langley on TikTok in May, which garnered 10.5 million views. A spontaneous performance of the song with Green during the final show of his Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour in the same year further amplified its success. A subsequent TikTok video of their soundcheck performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre has accumulated over 12 million views.
Langley reflects on the whirlwind of recent events, noting the serendipitous nature of their collaboration. “We had no idea we were going to perform the song that night onstage, but it just happened,” Langley recalled. She also shared her early admiration for Green, recounting how she once watched his show from outside the venue.
With her debut album Hungover poised to solidify her place in the country music scene, Langley is set to embark on a 14-date North American headlining tour. She will also open for Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley, marking her debut at stadium shows with Wallen at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Langley’s debut album features tracks like the lively “Cowboy Friends,” the poignant “People Change,” and the energetic “Better Be Tough,” showcasing her versatile talent and distinctive sound. In a candid conversation, Langley opened up about the creation of “You Look Like You Love Me,” which originated from a brainstorming session with co-writer Aaron Raitiere and evolved into a playful, memorable love song.
As she continues to rise in the country music ranks, Langley reflects on the communal spirit of the genre and the fulfillment of seeing her childhood dreams come true.
