Ella Langley has made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2024 with her hit song "You Look Like You Love Me," featuring Riley Green. The duo's collaboration surged from No. 7 to the top spot on the chart dated Dec. 14, marking a significant milestone in Langley's career. Co-written with Aaron Raitiere, the track witnessed an impressive 18% increase, garnering 26.5 million audience impressions from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, as reported by Luminate.
Langley's ascent to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart represents a remarkable achievement, especially since this is only her second entry on SAWGOD/Columbia/Nashville Harbor. Her previous song, "Strangers," which she collaborated on with Kameron Marlowe, reached No. 56 in July. On the other hand, Riley Green secures his second chart-topper, following his feature on Thomas Rhett's "Half of Me" in November 2022.
The year 2024 marks a significant moment for female artists in the country music scene, with Langley breaking the barrier and becoming the first woman to reign on the Country Airplay chart this year. Prior to Langley, Lainey Wilson had been the last woman to lead, achieving that feat with Jelly Roll's "Save Me" for two weeks in December. The significance of Langley's achievement is further highlighted by the 51-week gap since the last female solo artist or group topped the chart, marking a notable shift in representation.
In the same period, Morgan Wallen continues his successful run with his 18th Country Airplay top 10 hit, "Loves Somebody," climbing to the ninth spot. The track, the second single from Wallen's upcoming album, showcases his enduring popularity among country music fans. Wallen's chart success reflects his consistent output, with multiple chart-toppers throughout the year, setting a new annual high for any artist.
Furthermore, Tucker Wetmore makes his mark on the Country Airplay chart as his song "Wind Up Missin' You" breaks into the top 10, reaching the tenth position. The singer-songwriter's growth in popularity is evident, with his previous track "Wine Into Whiskey" peaking at No. 56 in May. Wetmore's emergence as a promising talent is coupled with a strong social media presence, boasting 1.2 million TikTok followers and a growing fan base.
Looking ahead, Billboard charts dated Dec. 14 will be updated on Billboard.com on Dec. 10, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and achievements in the music industry. The success of artists like Ella Langley, Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, and Tucker Wetmore underscores the dynamic and evolving landscape of country music, with fresh voices making their mark and reshaping the genre's narrative.
Ella Langley and Riley Green's collaboration on "You Look Like You Love Me" has not only topped the charts but also sparked interest and discussions among fans and the industry alike. Despite rumors suggesting a romantic relationship between the two, both Langley and Green have clarified that they are just friends, emphasizing their professional rapport and mutual respect for each other's craft.
In various interviews, Riley Green has highlighted his admiration for Ella Langley's talent, expressing his fondness for her voice and their shared love for traditional country music. Their collaboration on the chart-topping track underscores their musical chemistry and shared roots from Alabama, creating a seamless blend of their unique styles and influences. The success of "You Look Like You Love Me" has solidified their partnership as a formidable duo in the country music scene.
As the duo continues to celebrate the success of their chart-topping hit, fans can anticipate more collaborations and performances from Ella Langley and Riley Green in the future. With Langley set to join Green on his upcoming Damn Country Music tour in 2025 and their recent collaboration on "Don't Mind If I Do," the duo's partnership shows no signs of slowing down, cementing their status as rising stars in the country music landscape.
In conclusion, Ella Langley's historic achievement as the first woman to lead the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2024 signifies a significant milestone not only for her career but also for female representation in the genre. Coupled with the continued success of artists like Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, and Tucker Wetmore, the country music landscape is evolving with fresh voices and dynamic collaborations shaping its future trajectory. The industry's commitment to diversity and inclusivity is reflected in the pioneering achievements of artists like Langley, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse country music community.
