Country rising star Ella Langley is living proof that hard work and passion can turn dreams into reality. From attending music festivals as a fan to rocking the stage at Morgan Wallen’s inaugural Sand in My Boots Festival, Langley reflects on her journey and unforgettable experiences—including sharing the spotlight with country icon Miranda Lambert. In an exclusive chat, she opens up about her career milestones, recent accolades, and what it feels like to “live her biggest dream” on stage.
A dream realized at sand in my boots
For Ella Langley, performing at the first-ever Sand in My Boots Festival in Alabama wasn’t just another gig—it was a full-circle moment that brought her back to the place where her love for music blossomed. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter, known for hits like “Weren’t for the Wind” and “Hell of a Man,” shared her excitement with PEOPLE following her set at the Gulf Shores festival on May 17.
“I used to go to Hangout [Music Festival],” Langley recalls warmly. “That was the thing I did for my senior graduation. We didn’t go on a senior trip; I went to Hangout instead, and every year I go on vacation down here.” Performing at Sand in My Boots, she says, feels like a historic moment not only for her but for the burgeoning festival itself. “It’s just cool to be included in this first year of Sand in My Boots. It’s definitely going down in history what this festival’s going to do,” she notes, her pride and excitement evident.
Langley’s setlist was a showcase of her storytelling prowess, delivering heartfelt performances of fan favorites like “Weren’t for the Wind,” “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” “Nicotine,” and “Hungover.” The afternoon took an even more special turn when she joined fellow artist Riley Green for a duet of their award-winning collaboration “You Look Like You Love Me,” along with “Don’t Mind If I Do.”
Shining at the ACM Awards
Just days before the festival, Langley solidified her rising star status at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, where she led the nominations and brought home five trophies. She was honored with New Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Music Event of the Year, and Visual Media of the Year, a testament to her growing influence and talent in the country music scene.
One of the highlights of her week, Langley shares, was sharing the stage with one of her lifelong inspirations: Miranda Lambert. The two performed Lambert’s 2005 hit “Kerosene” together, a moment that Langley describes as living out a childhood dream.
“There’s a ridiculous amount of highlights from that whole entire week,” she says. “But performing ‘Kerosene,’ I already knew I was going to do ‘Weren’t for the Wind,’ but when we got asked to do ‘Kerosene,’ God, I was like, ‘It just made the night so much better for me because I got that initial fear out.’ That was our first time performing together. It felt like a 12-year-old kid living her biggest dream ever on stage.”
Inspiration and admiration for Miranda Lambert
Langley’s admiration for Miranda Lambert goes beyond just her music. She has always seen Lambert as a beacon of strength and unapologetic authenticity in a challenging industry. “She is who she is and she doesn’t apologize for that,” Langley explains. “She stands up for herself, but she also stands up for others she believes in. That’s just always been apparent by watching her as a young artist.”
Getting the chance to perform alongside Lambert has been deeply meaningful for Langley. “I’m really grateful to get to work alongside her,” she says, reflecting on the experience with gratitude and humility. Their collaboration has not only elevated her own career but has also underscored the importance of strong female mentorship within the country music world.
The scent x sound experience and nostalgic notes
In addition to her busy festival and awards schedule, Langley made a special appearance at the Scent x Sound Lab by Bath & Body Works during Sand in My Boots. The unique event brought together music and fragrance, allowing fans to engage with the sensory aspects that often inspire and accompany their favorite songs.
Langley, who teamed up with Bath & Body Works, spoke about how scents have a powerful connection to memory and emotion. “The company’s scents have always brought a feeling of memory and nostalgia,” she shared. Asked what love smells like to her, Langley offered a poetic answer: “It depends on the day. Sometimes it smells like mahogany tea, wood, kind of sexy. And then some days it smells like strawberry shortcake. And let me tell you, some days it smells like rain. And that’s just the truth.” Her reflections paint a picture of the complex and ever-changing nature of love, much like the stories she tells in her music.
What’s next for Ella Langley
With her star on the rise, Langley is busy writing, recording, and performing as she continues to carve out her own path in country music. Her recent success at the ACM Awards and her historic performance at Sand in My Boots have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting next chapter.
For Langley, the journey is as much about staying true to herself as it is about achieving fame. “This whole experience has been a reminder to keep chasing your dreams and staying grounded,” she says.
As the Sand in My Boots Festival closes its inaugural chapter, Ella Langley’s story is just beginning—and with her talent, passion, and the support of fans and mentors alike, there’s no doubt she’ll be a fixture on country music stages for years to come.
