Introduction
Ella Langley Shouts Out Cody Johnson, Deepens Texas Ties During Tour Stop
Rising country star Ella Langley is continuing to embrace the Lone Star State, not just through her music but through heartfelt tributes. Although the singer hails from Alabama, her connection to Texas is evident in collaborations like “Hell at Night” with Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug and her new single about lost love, “Choosing Texas.”
That Texas love was on full display during the recent stop of her Still Hungover Tour.
On October 17, while performing for a packed crowd at Houston’s 713 Music Hall, Langley kicked off her show by giving a massive shout-out to Texas-born country music superstar, Cody Johnson.
“One of my favorite artists out of Texas is Cody Johnson,” Langley shared with the Houston audience. “He’s one of my favorite people to watch, to take notes from. I feel like he’s a rodeo announcer and a preacher all at the same time. You know?”
Taking a Page from CoJo’s Book
The appreciation is mutual, as Langley had the privilege of opening for Johnson on a few dates of his 2024 Leather Tour. The shout-out serves as a recognition of Johnson’s impact on her career and his stature in the genre.
Langley even channeled Johnson’s stage presence at the start of her Houston concert, telling the audience: “At the beginning of [Cody’s] shows, he says, ‘I will give you what you give me.’ So tonight, Texas, let it out, baby. Sing the words if you know ’em.”
Langley herself has had a whirlwind rise in 2024, bursting onto the scene with the Riley Green duet “You Look Like You Love Me.” She was the most awarded artist at the 60th Annual ACM Awards in May 2025, where she won the New Female Artist of the Year award and shared the stage with Miranda Lambert.
Johnson’s Recovery and Rodeo Appearance
Langley’s musical inspiration, Cody Johnson, was recently forced to cancel the remaining dates on his 2025 tour after health issues required surgery to repair a ruptured eardrum. Johnson has confirmed the canceled dates will resume next year once he recovers.
However, Johnson is still set to perform a full concert on the final day of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. While Langley and Johnson have not collaborated on any music yet, given their strong friendship and mutual admiration, a chance appearance at Johnson’s epic rodeo close-out isn’t out of the question.