Ella Langley celebrated a significant milestone at the 2025 ACM Awards, winning the coveted Single of the Year award for her hit song "You Look Like You Love Me," featuring fellow artist Riley Green. This victory marks Langley's third trophy, further solidifying her rising status in the country music scene.
The awards ceremony took place on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, and was streamed live on Amazon Prime Video, hosted by the legendary Reba McEntire. Langley’s win for Single of the Year comes on the heels of her song also winning the award for Visual Media of the Year, showcasing its widespread acclaim and popularity.
Langley expressed her excitement during her acceptance speech, stating, "I'm still outta breath a little, and I feel like I kinda have been since this song came out." Reflecting on her musical inspirations, she shared, "I grew up on classic country, and there's a lot of talking in it. Conway Twitty. Johnny Lee. David Alan Coe. This song really changed it for me as a songwriter. It taught me to just not care so much and write what you love and write what feels good." Her heartfelt words resonated with the audience, highlighting the personal connection she has with her craft.
Riley Green, who contributed to the song by writing its second verse, joined Langley on stage to share in the moment. He noted, "I just wanna say how cool it is that a song with talking verses won an award. I'm so proud of Ella and how she represents the home state of Alabama with me. I'm so happy for her success and I'm happy to be a part of this song." Green's praise for Langley underscores the collaborative spirit often found in country music, where partnerships can lead to powerful and memorable songs.
The Single of the Year category was competitive, with other nominees including Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," Cody Johnson's "Dirt Cheap," Post Malone and Morgan Wallen's "I Had Some Help," and Chris Stapleton's "White Horse." Langley’s win is particularly impressive given her relatively recent entry into the spotlight, having released "You Look Like You Love Me" in June 2024. The song quickly gained traction, with fans drawn to its classic country sound and engaging call-and-response vocals, reminiscent of iconic duets from the genre's history.
As the buzz around the song grew, so did speculation about a romantic connection between Langley and Green, which contributed to its popularity. Their chemistry on stage and in the song has been a topic of interest among fans and media alike, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their collaboration.
Producer Will Bundy shares in this ACM win alongside Langley and Green, as do the record labels involved, Sawgod and Columbia Records. This collaborative effort highlights the teamwork that goes into producing a successful single, as each member plays a crucial role in bringing the music to life.
The 2025 ACM Awards not only celebrated the achievements of established artists but also provided a platform for emerging talents like Langley to shine. Her journey from a relatively unknown artist to a celebrated winner in a major category exemplifies the dynamic nature of the country music industry, where fresh voices are continually emerging.
In an interview conducted by Billboard's Lyndsey Havens on the Winners Walk at the ACM Awards, Green shared his thoughts on the significance of the event and his collaboration with Langley. This interview, published on May 9, 2025, further emphasizes the importance of the ACM Awards as a moment of recognition for artists who have made a significant impact in the past year.
As the night unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie among artists, fans, and industry professionals. The event not only honored individual achievements but also celebrated the community aspect of country music, where collaboration and support among artists are key to success.
Langley’s triumph at the 2025 ACM Awards is a testament to her hard work, talent, and the connection she has forged with her audience. As she continues to rise in the ranks of country music, fans eagerly await what she will do next, inspired by her journey and the heartfelt stories she shares through her music.
In summary, Ella Langley’s victory for Single of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards is a significant achievement that highlights her growth as an artist and the enduring appeal of classic country music. With her unique style and authentic storytelling, Langley is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
