Introduction
LAS VEGAS, NV – The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards saw a poignant victory for authenticity and a tribute to country music’s rich storytelling heritage, as Ella Langley and Riley Green clinched the coveted Single of the Year award, presented by Realtor.com, for their collaborative hit.
Accepting the award, a visibly moved Ella Langley reflected on the journey of the song, acknowledging the overwhelming reception since its release. “I’m still out of breath a little,” she shared, “and I feel like I kind of have been since this song came out.” She spoke of growing up steeped in the sounds of classic country, where spoken-word verses from legends like Conway Twitty, Johnny Lee, and David Allan Coe were commonplace. This influence, she explained, was pivotal. “This song really changed it for me as a songwriter,” Langley revealed. “It taught me to just not care so much and write what you love and write what feels good.” She extended her gratitude to Will Bundy for his production and, of course, to Riley Green for his integral contribution.
Riley Green, joining Langley on stage, echoed her sentiments and emphasized the significance of their win. He expressed immense pride in the fact that a song featuring spoken verses had resonated so strongly and earned such a prestigious award. “I just want to say how cool it is that a song with talking verses won an award,” Green stated, underscoring a win for a style of songwriting that harks back to country’s roots. He also commended Langley, saying, “I’m so proud of Ella and how she represents the home state of Alabama with me, and I’m so happy for her success and I’m happy to be a part of this song. Thank y’all so much.”
The win for Langley and Green not only celebrates a successful collaboration but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of classic country elements in contemporary music, proving that sometimes, a good story told simply and genuinely is all it takes to capture the hearts of fans and critics alike.