Miranda Lambert on Ella Langley: ‘We’re girls; we talk each other off the ledge all the time.’

When Hope Hull native Ella Langley saw her hit single "Choosin’ Texas" explode onto the global stage, country music legend Miranda Lambert provided some sage, albeit overwhelmed, advice: "You might need to call Taylor Swift."

A Mentorship Forged in Nashville

The connection between the Texas icon and the Alabama rising star has become one of country music's most dynamic partnerships. Over the past 18 months, Langley has rocketed to stardom, a journey Lambert has actively supported. Their bond was on full display at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, where Langley celebrated a breakout night of wins and joined Lambert on stage for a high-energy rendition of "Kerosene."

Record-Breaking Success

The collaboration extends into the studio, most notably on Langley's monster hit "Choosin’ Texas." The track, which features songwriting contributions from Lambert, recently celebrated a record-setting 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite stiff competition and brief interruptions from artists like Drake and Ariana Grande, the song remains a massive cultural force. Fans may recall that a wild story about Lambert and a pet kangaroo served as the unlikely inspiration for the song's standout lyrics.

Lambert has also taken on a new creative challenge, co-producing Langley’s anticipated follow-up album, "Dandelion." It marks the first time the veteran star has stepped into the producer’s chair for another artist.

Supporting the Next Generation

In a deep-dive with Billboard.com, Lambert opened up about the emotional reality of guiding a new star through the pressures of fame. "I’m either talking her off a ledge or hyping her up," Lambert noted. "We’re girls; we talk each other off the ledge all the time."

For Langley, having a veteran in her corner has been indispensable. "There’s not a rule book to this job," Langley told Billboard. "So [it’s helpful] to be able to have someone like her to ask questions... It’s just a cool time for the both of us."

Now 42, Lambert is embracing her role as a mentor. Reflecting on her 20 years in the industry, she admits that her goal is to help younger artists navigate the path she once blazed herself: "Sometimes I know the right way to do it, because I did it wrong."

For more on the success of "Choosin’ Texas" and the creation of "Dandelion," visit Billboard.com.