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For Ella Langley, 2026 has been one long victory lap. The Alabama-born country star’s “Choosin’ Texas” has become a bona fide crossover phenomenon, spending 15 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 — a record for a non-holiday song by a woman — while her sophomore album, “Dandelion,” arrived in April. 

Then came the accolades. Langley swept all seven of her nominations at the 2026 ACM Awards, setting a new record for the most wins by an artist in a single year, including female artist of the year and song and single of the year for “Choosin’ Texas.” She followed that with two American Music Awards, for best female country artist and best country song. And the victory lap isn’t over: “Choosin’ Texas” was just nominated for best country at the 2026 MTV VMAs. 

Somewhere amid all of that, Langley is still living out of a tour bus. Her first arena-headlining Dandelion Tour has been extended through October, with upcoming stops including Red Rocks and two nights at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre. 

Variety caught up with Langley between shows to talk tour-bus essentials, advice from Miranda Lambert and who’s on her collaboration wish list. 

 How do you go about choosing your all-female opening acts?

My management team and I talk about the show and what makes sense for the fans and also artists I believe in and am a fan of in general. I am such a big fan of Kaitlin Butts, Gabriella Rose and Laci Kaye Booth, so it was a YES when we found out they were available and wanted to.

It was also a blessing to add in the Hamilton show to have Avery Anna and Madeline Edwards this month. Then Ernest, Kameron Marlowe, Dylan Marlowe are some great friends in town who I have always been a fan of and love to work with. I’ve written with each of them and it’s fun to have them a part of the show to mix it up for the fans. We just try to make it make sense and a great show for the Dandelion Tour.  

You’ve been living in denim while on tour. What’s your go-to style of denim jeans?

I’ve been obsessed with American Eagle’s  Super Low-Rise Kick Bootcut Jeans ever since I wore them on set from our first shoot back in December. They’re the kind of jeans I want to wear whether I’m headed to a show, grabbing dinner with friends or headed to an interview with Miranda and Reba!

What are your summer style essentials right now? 

A great pair of jean shorts and a breezy linen dress are definitely essentials for me because they’re pieces you can style in so many different ways. I love dressing these pieces up or down with accessories depending on where I’m headed. 

Off stage, my style is pretty laid back, but I do like to have fun with the details. Adding a statement necklace, a vintage belt, or a little neck scarf can completely change the feel of an outfit and make it feel more personal. I love pieces that give me a blank canvas to play with, whether that’s pairing denim shorts with a simple top and boots or styling a dress with accessories to make it feel more like me.

What advice has Miranda Lambert given you during this meteoric rise? 

Miranda has given me more advice than I can possibly ask for. She’s always reminded me to stay true to myself, keep the music at the center of everything, and trust that the rest will take care of itself. 

Your collaboration started from you approaching her on a carpet as a fan. Are there any other artists you’re dying to work with? 

Stevie Nicks, Chris Stapleton, Harry Styles .

Your music is already genre-bending – is there any genre you’d like to lean into more in the future? 

You’ll just have to see as we start writing for album 3.  

What is a sleep essential that helps you have a restful night on the road?

 Being able to do my nighttime skincare routine with HiFinch products.   

What is your lip combo? 

Makeup For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Up & Down Tan, and Juvia’s Place lipstick in Mademoiselle and Me.

What hair products do you use to keep your your signature bangs perfect throughout a show? 

One trick is eyelash glue to keep ’em in place!