Ella Langley Shines with "Be Her" Performance and Multiple Wins at 2026 ACM Awards
Emerging country sensation Ella Langley delivered a poignant performance of her hit single "Be Her" at the 2026 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards in Las Vegas, marking a significant night for the artist. Her minimalist acoustic set resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the raw emotion and introspective message behind the song. Beyond her captivating performance, Langley was a dominant force at the awards, clinching multiple prestigious honors, solidifying her rapidly rising status in the country music landscape.
Langley, adorned in an elegant white gown, opted for a stripped-down presentation of "Be Her," a track from her acclaimed album, Dandelion. Accompanied by two additional acoustic guitarists, her heartfelt vocals carried the chorus, "I just wanna be her so bad," creating an intimate and powerful moment. This performance underscored the song's profound theme, exploring the universal aspiration for personal growth and self-improvement, a sentiment Langley has openly shared.
The Alabama-native singer-songwriter enjoyed immense success throughout the evening. She was honored with the Female Artist of the Year award and the Artist-Songwriter of the Year title. Furthermore, her chart-topping crossover hit, "Choosin' Texas," was recognized as both Single of the Year and Song of the Year, highlighting its widespread appeal and impact. These victories underscore Langley's significant contributions to the genre and her growing influence within country music.
In a prior interview on the Katie and Company radio show, Langley elucidated the core meaning of "Be Her." She explained that the song transcends merely wishing to be someone else, instead focusing on the journey of becoming one's ideal self. Langley articulated that every individual harbors desires for self-improvement, and the song honestly reflects her own aspirations for personal evolution. This introspective approach has resonated with listeners, adding depth to her music.
Langley's recent accomplishments extend beyond the ACM Awards. Last month, she made her debut at the prestigious Stagecoach Festival, where she delivered a memorable performance featuring tracks from Dandelion, including "Bottom of Your Boots" and "Broken," alongside her record-breaking single "Choosin' Texas" and fan-favorite "20-20" from the deluxe reissue of Still Hungover. A highlight of her Stagecoach set was a surprise duet of "I Can't Love You Anymore" with comedian Theo Von, further demonstrating her versatility and broad appeal.
The single "Choosin' Texas" achieved a remarkable feat by simultaneously reaching Number One on Billboard's Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts. This historic accomplishment places Langley in an exclusive group of artists, alongside Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, and Shaboozey, who have achieved such a triple chart-topping success. Notably, Langley is the first female artist to achieve this milestone, marking a significant moment for women in country music.
With seven nominations at this year's ACM Awards, including nods for Single of the Year and Song of the Year for "Choosin' Texas," Langley was among a strong contingent of female artists. The 61st ACM Awards saw women dominating the nominations, with artists such as Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and Langley each receiving more nominations than any male artist, signaling a dynamic shift and increased recognition for female talent in the country music industry.
Ella Langley's triumphant night at the ACM Awards, marked by both a moving performance and significant wins, firmly establishes her as a leading figure in contemporary country music. Her success with "Be Her" and "Choosin' Texas," coupled with her historic chart performance, underscores her burgeoning impact and promising future in the industry.