Country music’s rising star Ella Langley hit pause on her whirlwind career this week, announcing the cancellation of her August shows amid growing health concerns. The decision comes just months after her triumphant sweep at the 2025 ACM Awards.
The exhaustion of non-stop touring finally caught up with the 26-year-old sensation. “I’ve been fighting sickness and feeling more run down than ever,” Langley shared in a raw Instagram post that left fans both concerned and supportive. Her vulnerability struck a chord — especially given the pressure-cooker environment of today’s music industry, where social media never sleeps and touring schedules grow increasingly demanding.
The timing’s particularly tough. Langley’s stepping away from several career-defining moments, including two opening slots for Morgan Wallen’s massive “I’m the Problem” tour stops in Cleveland. She’s also backing out of a string of Western shows that would’ve taken her from Montana’s big sky country to Colorado’s mountain venues. Most heartbreaking for Nashville regulars? Her cancelled appearance at the Listening Room Cafe — that intimate songwriter’s haven where countless country stars got their start.
Talk about a meteoric rise. Since her 2021 TikTok breakthrough with “If You Have To,” this Alabama native has practically rewritten the playbook for country success in the digital age. Her debut album “Hungover” dropped last August, earning critical acclaim and those coveted ACM nods — including new female artist of the year. Not too shabby for someone who was posting cover songs from her bedroom just a few years back.
But here’s the thing about Nashville’s fast lane — sometimes you’ve got to pump the brakes before you crash. Langley’s message hit home with a Bible verse that seems particularly fitting: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). In an industry that’s notorious for burning through young talent, her candid admission about needing downtime feels like a breath of fresh air.
The good news? This isn’t goodbye — just see you later. Langley’s scheduled to bounce back in September, kicking things off in Madison, Illinois, before heading north for two shows with Wallen in Edmonton. Her “The Still Hungover Tour” picks up its final leg in October, bringing her signature sound back through the heartland from Oklahoma to Tennessee.
While Gavin Adcock’s stepping in for those August Wallen dates (no small shoes to fill), Langley’s impact on country music’s landscape remains undeniable. She’s shared stages with the likes of Jon Pardi, Cody Johnson, and Dierks Bentley — pretty much country music’s current Mount Rushmore. And maybe, just maybe, her decision to choose health over hustle will inspire others in the industry to do the same.
For now, September can’t come soon enough. When one of country’s brightest new stars returns — refreshed and ready to “give you my all” — you can bet those venue lights will shine even brighter.
Leave a Reply