Ella Langley Makes History with 8 ACM Award Nominations: A Raw Reaction and a Breakout Year

Ella Langley, the rising country star from Alabama, is absolutely beside herself after learning about her 2025 ACM Award nominations. The country singer, who’s been making waves with her unmistakable voice and incredible talent, found herself in disbelief as she discovered that she’s leading this year’s nominations with a total of eight—more than any other artist.

Langley, who’s known for her raw authenticity and genuine connection with fans, shared her reaction on social media, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how she felt in the moment. In an Instagram Story video, Langley’s excitement and shock were palpable as she reacted to the news. With a stunned expression, she looked into the camera and said, “Are y’all fakin’ me? Y’all have got to be fakin’ me!” She then dramatically threw her face into a pillow and screamed, clearly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment. The video quickly went viral, with fans and fellow country music artists sharing in her excitement and celebrating her incredible achievements.

The Breakout Star’s Nominations

Langley’s eight nominations mark a major milestone in her career, reflecting the success of her music and the growing recognition she’s receiving in the country music world. Six of those eight nominations are for her smash hit duet “You Look Like You Love Me,” a collaboration with fellow country artist Riley Green. The song was a massive hit in 2024, and it quickly became an anthem in country bars across the country. It even earned Langley a trophy at the CMA Awards in November, solidifying her place as a force in the genre.

The song is up for multiple prestigious categories at the ACM Awards. “You Look Like You Love Me” is nominated for Single of the Year, a category that recognizes the artist who made the track a hit. Langley’s second nomination is for Song of the Year, awarded to the songwriters, a nod to the powerful songwriting that resonates with listeners. The third nomination for “You Look Like You Love Me” is for Music Event of the Year, highlighting the collaboration between Langley and Green that made the track so special. To top it off, the music video for the song has also earned a nomination for Visual Media of the Year, thanks to its stunning visuals and creative direction. Riley Green, who contributed to the song’s success, is also eligible for these same awards.

But Langley’s recognition doesn’t stop there. She is also nominated for two artist categories: New Female Artist of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. These nominations are particularly meaningful, as they acknowledge her rapid rise in the country music scene and her impressive body of work in just a short period of time. Langley’s inclusion in these categories places her alongside some of the most talented women in country music, a testament to her impact and the momentum she’s built over the past year.

A Breakout Year: From Alabama to the Top of the Charts

2024 was truly a breakout year for Langley, one that will likely be remembered as the year her career skyrocketed. Her debut studio album, Hungover, was released on August 2, 2024, and it immediately resonated with fans of all ages. The album, which showcased Langley’s vulnerability, wit, and captivating storytelling, proved to be a commercial success, earning her both critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.

Just days after the album’s release, Langley’s hit single “You Look Like You Love Me” was sent to country radio. The track quickly became a fan favorite, gaining significant airplay and climbing the charts. It was a defining moment in Langley’s career, as it marked her first No. 1 hit on country radio. The success of the song, combined with the release of Hungover, solidified Langley as one of country music’s brightest up-and-coming stars. Her ability to blend traditional country sounds with a fresh, modern twist made her a standout in a crowded field.

Langley’s journey to the ACM Awards nominations is a testament to her talent and determination. Her rise from a small-town artist in Alabama to one of the most talked-about stars in country music has been nothing short of remarkable. But beyond her success on the charts, it’s her authenticity and relatable personality that have endeared her to fans. Langley’s raw reaction to her nominations was just another example of how she remains grounded despite her growing fame. Her fans, who have been with her since her early days, are thrilled to see her receive the recognition she deserves.

What’s Next for Ella Langley?

With the 2025 ACM Awards just around the corner, Langley’s future is looking brighter than ever. The recognition she’s receiving this year is only the beginning, and many industry experts believe that she’s poised for even greater success in the years to come. Langley has already proven that she has the ability to create songs that resonate with fans and showcase her musical talent, but her unique voice and storytelling abilities are likely to carry her even further in the country music world.

As for the 2025 ACM Awards, Langley’s eight nominations put her at the forefront of the evening’s festivities. Whether she takes home a trophy or not, her presence at the show will be a testament to her rapid rise in the industry. She’s already proven that she’s a force to be reckoned with, and it’s clear that the future holds even more incredible opportunities for her.

The 2025 ACM Awards: When and Where

The 2025 ACM Awards will be the 60th annual ceremony, a milestone event for the country music industry. The awards will take place live at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, and will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Reba McEntire, the legendary country singer, will return to host the event, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a star-studded evening.

Langley’s journey to the ACM Awards is a testament to her incredible talent and the hard work she’s put into her career. From her humble beginnings in Alabama to becoming one of the most-nominated artists of the year, Langley’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and authenticity. As she continues to break barriers in the country music world, there’s no doubt that Ella Langley’s star is only going to shine brighter. Fans can’t wait to see what she does next—and with her undeniable talent, the sky’s the limit.