Emmy Russell Puts Her Own Spin on Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” — and Fans Can’t Get Enough
Emmy Russell has once again shown her gift for transforming a song into something uniquely her own. On Monday, December 8, the American Idol alum posted a new performance video to social media — this time offering her take on Ella Langley’s rising hit “Choosin’ Texas.”
Langley officially released the song on October 17 after teasing it for months at live shows. Fans quickly embraced the track, which Langley co-wrote with Miranda Lambert. The song’s roots come from an unforgettable story Lambert shared — one involving a dirt road, a dog, and a pet kangaroo riding shotgun.
According to Langley, Lambert once found herself pulled over with Texas plates on her car, a kangaroo beside her, and a police officer staring in disbelief. The wild tale ended up inspiring the lyric that became the song’s hook. Langley recalled that she was simply walking to the bathroom when the opening line came to her:
“She’s from Texas, I can tell by the way he’s two-steppin’ around the room.”
Lambert immediately stopped her and encouraged her to keep going. Within thirty minutes, the two had written the entire track.
Emmy Russell Covers “Choosin’ Texas”
Russell — granddaughter of country legend Loretta Lynn and a standout contestant from American Idol Season 22 — shared her cover from what appears to be her living room, seated at the piano. Rather than match the upbeat tempo of Langley’s version, Russell slowed the song down, giving it a soft, reflective tone.
Her vocals glide through the chorus:
“Just when I thought I got him to fall in love with Tennessee
I shoulda known better than to take him back to Abilene
I put him right back into her arms
I wasn’t a match for that kinda spark
She’s from Texas, I can tell by the way
He’s two steppin’ ’round the room.”
In the caption, Russell shared that she has “been singing this song everyday,” and fans responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Comments praised her ability to reinterpret the song while keeping its emotional core intact.
Some fan reactions included:
“This song is so addictive. You sound so good singing it.”
“You make everything your own — that’s what I love about you.”
“I didn’t know I could love this song more!!”
Watch Emmy Russell’s rendition of “Choosin’ Texas” below.