
September 22nd, 2026
Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” is the longest-running No. 1 hit in U.S. history.
The song has spent 23 weeks at the top of the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
It passed the previous record of 22 weeks, held by Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”
It also beat records set by Shaboozey, Lil Nas X and Whitney Houston.
The song brought in 911 million on-demand streams in the U.S. and 1.26 billion globally as of mid-August, according to Luminate.
Langley began 2023 with under 1 million monthly Spotify listeners and now has over 32 million.
Industry analyst Jaime Marconette said country listeners are becoming younger and more streaming-focused.
Spotify editor Claire Heinichen said the song’s growth was both explosive and consistent.
It moved from the country playlist “Hot Country” to “Today’s Top Hits,” Spotify’s biggest global playlist.
It also appears on “Mood” and “Moments” playlists because it suits driving, chilling or cookouts, she said.
Musicologist Nate Sloan said Langley’s voice sounds “like syrup” and puts listeners in a near-trance.
He said the song blends disco, rock and soul influences, which helps it reach a wide audience.
Professor Charles L. Hughes said it mixes late 1970s and early ’80s country sounds with modern songwriting.
Both experts said the song is unusual for a hit because it is specific, calm and has no big moments.
Hughes said it continues a tradition of country songs by women about what men do in bars.
September 22nd, 2026

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