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Song 'Choosin' Texas' sparks debate
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' spent 20 weeks at No.1 on Billboard Hot 100.
Background
Ella Langley, a non-Texan singer, released 'Choosin' Texas' which has become a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 20 weeks, the longest run for a non-holiday song. The song's celebration of Texas has resonated widely, even in Nashville, despite the historical musical rivalry between Texas and Tennessee. The debate centers on whether Texas should be considered 'Southern' and how the state's brand is perceived culturally.
How it unfolded
- Aug 30, 2026The song is closing in on a major Billboard milestone, needing three more weeks at No. 1 to tie the all-time record.
- Sep 1, 2026Reports indicate the song is leading Billboard's Songs of the Summer and is making history on the Hot 100.
- Sep 2, 2026Ella Langley tops the Billboard Hot 100 with 'Choosin' Texas' and releases a cinematic music video.
- Sep 4, 2026NYT article highlights the song's popularity in Austin and Nashville, and the debate over calling Texas 'Southern'.
Who’s saying what
- Public
- Fans celebrate the song's success, with comments like 'That's awesome congrats' and 'Keep it climbing love it.'
- Critics
- Some commenters note 'Too bad she wasn’t classic country,' suggesting a divide over genre authenticity.
Still unverified
The exact release date of the song is not specified in the material; it is only mentioned as 'Released in October' without a year, likely 2025.