Introduction:
Ella Langley Honors Toby Keith with Emotional Cover of “Wish I Didn’t Know Now”
Rising country star Ella Langley has taken on one of Toby Keith’s most beloved classics — and fans are loving every second of it.
The 26-year-old Alabama native recently released her heartfelt studio cover of Keith’s 1994 hit “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” giving the breakup ballad a fresh yet faithful twist. Originally featured on Keith’s self-titled debut album, the song reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and remains one of his most cherished tracks.
Langley first performed the tune during Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered, a 2024 tribute celebrating the late legend’s legacy. Following overwhelming fan demand, she officially dropped her full version on September 30, 2025, across all streaming platforms.
With her soulful, storyteller voice, Langley reimagines the lyrics from a woman’s perspective, pairing stripped-down production with raw emotion. The result is a hauntingly intimate version that captures both regret and longing — as she sings, “I wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then / I wish I could start this whole thing over again.”
Fans flooded her social media with praise. “Toby would be so proud!” one wrote. Another added, “Amazing! Love the song and your voice — great job.”
In a statement, Langley said, “I knew instantly that ‘Wish I Didn’t Know Now’ was the song I wanted to do. Toby is truly a legend, and getting to put my own spin on this classic was an incredible opportunity.”
Langley’s tribute not only honors Keith’s timeless storytelling but also cements her growing reputation as one of country music’s most promising new voices — bridging the genre’s past and future, one heartfelt cover at a time.