Ella Langley Reacts To First iHeartRadio Music Awards Win: ‘This Is Just A Dream Come True’

Ella Langley added a major milestone to her rising career, taking home Best New Artist (Country) at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The Alabama native earned the honor during the star-studded ceremony, beating out fellow nominees Chase Matthew, Hudson Westbrook, Josh Ross, and Zach Top (and standing as the only female artist in the category!).

Presented on stage by Shaboozey, the moment marked a full-circle achievement for Langley, who has quickly become one of country music’s most talked-about stars.

Still processing the whirlwind night, Langley admitted she was nearly speechless after spending the evening seated between Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus.

“I’m a little loss of words. The thing we’re always trying to do is just get in there and write a good song. So to see what that can do is just wild,” she shared.

She went on to express gratitude in a heartfelt acceptance speech, thanking her faith, team, and family for helping her reach the moment.

“Thank you, Jesus, for putting this passion on my heart. Thank you to my team. I would not be the artist I am up here today if it weren’t for them. They helped me make these crazy dreams come true. Thank you to my family for not yelling at me too loud when I practice everything in my room for too long,” she said. “This is just a dream come true. Thank you, iHeart. Thank you.”

This marked Langley’s first iHeartRadio Music Award. Following the show, she spoke with the Associated Press, reflecting on the “wild” evening.  

“I couldn’t even not say it up there. I was sitting on the same row as Taylor Swift was right here and Miley Cyrus was right there. So that alone? Winner! And then you go up there and have to talk in front of everyone and it’s just your mind’s blown,” she admitted. 

When asked about her rising success, she shared, “It’s really cool. It’s just awesome. It’s awesome to see that people are getting it, that people are listening to the music, that people are wanting more. That’s exciting for me because it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life, so it’d be terrible if they didn’t. Yes. Well, I think what people like from me is that I’ve never been in a box. I think I’m constantly trying to try new things. I’m learning myself as an artist and I think that they’re just following along with the journey and the story and the songwriting and they’re watching that. They’re watching me become a better songwriter, a better performer, kind of fall into my groove a little bit more along the way.” 

Ella Langley’s big win comes just days before the release of her highly anticipated new album, Dandelion, set to drop on April 10. The project includes her record-breaking “Choosin’ Texas,” as well as “Be Her,” ‘Loving Life Again,” and more. 

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards aired live on FOX from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26, 2026.