Forget headliner Cody Johnson (although we’ll still cover him later, don’t worry).
I don’t think it’s been since Morgan Wallen headlined in 2024 that Stagecoach has been swept by a phenomenon like Ellamania. Seriously, I’d be hard pressed to find an artist having a bigger moment than Ella Langley right now — and she’s potentially more popular with dudes, in particular, than any other female country star I’m aware of. Those “Ellas Fellas” t-shirts are truly EVERYWHERE on the festival grounds.
I have to think the Fellas walked away happy Friday, April 24, as Langley put on a thrilling golden-hour set — a performance worthy of her status as country music’s new big thing.
She opened with “Dandelion,” the title track from her just-released album, and played several songs from it, including her new collaboration with Morgen Wallen (whom she explained was not present because he is on “dad duty” this weekend), “I Can’t Love You Anymore.”However, the crowd didn’t seem to mind Wallen’s absence, as Langley sounded plenty good on her own — but never more so than when she sang “Loving Life Again” after briefly detailing her own experience working to overcome mental health challenges. She had the whole field of people in front of her, seemingly, swaying and enjoying the moment.
Langley played most of her growing list of hits, ending with the beloved “Weren’t For The Wind.” Among them was “You Look Like You Love Me,” one of Langley’s songs with Riley Green, who will take the Mane Stage on Saturday.
But it was not Green who came out to sing his part of “You Look Like You Love Me.” Instead, it was comedian and social media star Theo Von, who delivered the night’s biggest surprise and a moment that will surely make the rounds on social media.
If you weren’t in the massive sunset crowd, you missed quite a show. But I would’nt worry too much about it: Something tells me Stagecoach will be seeing Langley again, likely as a headliner as soon as next year.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Ella Langley performs the best set yet of Stagecoach 2025
Reporting by Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
