Ella Langley Sells Out the Illinois State Fair
The Illinois State Fair had a stacked lineup this summer, featuring artists ranging from Shinedown and Lainey Wilson to The Chicks, Bailey Zimmerman, and Wiz Khalifa. Illinois country music fans, however, were especially lucky to have Ella Langley on the schedule. Langley was booked for the fair before “Choosin’ Texas” exploded into the massive hit it is today, meaning fans were able to purchase face-value tickets at a fraction of what they might pay to see her on her current headlining tour. By August, though, it was clear that the Illinois State Fair had landed one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. The line of hopeful fans waiting to get on the barricade began forming well before 3 p.m. Once the gates opened, fans raced onto the track to claim their spots. I was lucky enough to secure a prime position between the main stage and the catwalk. For those planning to attend future shows at the fair, I highly recommend paying a little extra for the pre-show party passes. The passes included early entry into the Grandstand, as well as free food, which is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone hoping to get close to the action.
Taken with iphoneErnest opened for Langley during this weekend of tour dates, bringing his own blend of traditional country songwriting to the Illinois State Fair. Ernest came out looking like a modern-day Hank Williams Jr., sporting a slightly unbuttoned shirt, cowboy hat, and facial hair. He immediately leaned into country tradition, working several recognizable covers into his set, including “Family Tradition.” He also paid tribute to the late Toby Keith with performances of “Who’s Your Daddy?” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” When he wasn't covering country classics, Ernest highlighted his own catalog, including songs from his 2026 album Deep Blue. Released in May, the album continues his reputation as both a performer and songwriter. He closed his set with “Flower Shops,” the song that helped establish him as a solo artist. I also received a new concert souvenir that I certainly never expected. Christian Stolz, Ernest's fiddle player, handed me Ernest's half-smoked cigarette along with a setlist. More memories to add to the collection!
Taken with iphoneBy the time Ella Langley took the stage, the anticipation inside the Grandstand was undeniable. Langley stunned in a black sleeveless dress perfectly suited for the summer heat, paired with a silver belt and knee-high boots. Every Ella Fella in the crowd seemed to have their jaw on the floor. She opened with the title track from her sophomore album, Dandelion. The stage itself was relatively simple, decorated with flowers that complemented the song and gave the production a warm, summery feel. Langley's approximately 1-hour-and-45-minute set was anything but dull and simple. She used every inch of the stage, moving from corner to corner, climbing the steps, and even performing on top of the piano. Rather than simply standing behind a microphone, she constantly interacted with the audience. Throughout the show, she paused to check on fans dealing with the humid August heat.
Taken with iphoneShe made her way onto the catwalk and joined fans during “Me and You Time,” prompting the crowd to wave their arms in the air. She rotated between guitar, tambourine, and simply standing at the microphone and letting her vocals carry the song. The variety kept the nearly two-hour set moving without ever feeling overproduced.
Taken with iphoneShe brought Ernest back onto the stage for a shot and a performance of “Loving Life Again,” a song the two artists co-wrote. Their chemistry made the collaboration feel spontaneous and fun. She also paid tribute to two country legends, Toby Keith and Illinois native Gretchen Wilson, performing “Wish I Didn't Know Now” and “Here for the Party.” I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that Wilson didn't join Langley for “Here for the Party.” After all, the two had already shared the stage at CMA Fest earlier this summer. Still, hearing Langley take on “Here for the Party” in front of an Illinois crowd was a special moment in its own right. Wilson's influence on modern female country artists is difficult to overstate, and Langley is part of a new generation carrying that fearless, unapologetic spirit forward.
Taken with iphoneLangley eventually reached the song everyone had been waiting for. She closed her main set with her record-breaking hit “Choosin' Texas,” turning the Grandstand into one giant singalong. But the night wasn't over. Langley returned for an encore featuring “Speaking Terms” followed by the high-energy “That's Why We Fight.” During the finale, her longtime guitar player, Ben Flanders, circled her around the microphone stand before joining her for an electrifying finish on the catwalk. It was exactly the kind of ending a concert like this deserved: loud, energetic, and completely connected to the fans.
Taken with iphoneThe significance of the evening extended beyond the performance itself. Ella Langley's Illinois State Fair concert tied the all-time attendance record previously set by Lainey Wilson just six days earlier. Both performances were sellouts, further demonstrating just how much interest there is in today's female country stars. You can catch Ella Langley on the remaining dates of her headlining arena tour.
