Alabama Country Star Tops Nation with Rare No. 1 Song
In a remarkable achievement, Alabama native Ella Langley has secured the No. 1 song in the nation with her hit “Choosin’ Texas.” This song not only tops the Hot Country Songs chart but also ascends to the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100 chart for the week ending February 14. Billboard’s announcement marks a significant milestone for Langley, especially after her recent success of entering the Top 5.
Historic Milestone for Female Country Artists
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as Langley is one of less than ten women to ever reach No. 1 on the Hot 100 with a country song. The Academy of Country Music celebrated her historic achievement, highlighting her as the ACM New Female Artist of the Year.
Langley expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “We did it! I can’t thank y’all enough for what you’ve done with this song.” Her success comes as she prepares to release her upcoming album, titled “Dandelion.”
Context of Her Achievement
Ella Langley’s success is particularly significant when considering Alabama’s musical history. Only five other acts from Alabama have previously achieved a No. 1 spot on the Hot 100, making her accomplishment rare.
- Prior notable Alabama artists include:
- Nat King Cole
- Percy Sledge
- Lionel Richie
- Tommy Shaw of Styx
- Taylor Hicks
Challenges for Country Artists
Country music has historically faced challenges in achieving widespread pop success. While many country songs top the charts in their genre, translating that success to the Hot 100 has been elusive, especially for female artists. Neither Carrie Underwood nor Taylor Swift achieved this with a purely country song, making Langley’s accomplishment all the more remarkable.
Comparison with Historical Context
The last solo female artist to achieve this feat with a country song was Dolly Parton in 1981 with “9 to 5.” Langley’s success signals a cautious optimism for the evolution of country music on the pop charts.
Conclusion
Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring female country artists. Her rise to the top exemplifies the strides women are making in the genre. As she continues her journey with “Dandelion,” fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.
