Riley Green Gives Two Emerging Artists the Spotlight After Ella Langley Drops Out of Hoofbeat Fest

Cadott, WI country fans got more than they bargained for last night when Riley Green surprised the Hoofbeat Country Fest crowd by bringing out two rising country acts to perform alongside him.

Green headlined Day one of the festival, where he performed to a crowd of over 20,000 and made the night extra special following the announcement that his “You Look Like You Love Me” duet partner, Ella Langley had to pull out of her slot on the festival lineup.

Upon hearing the news on 102.9 The Wolf (KMNB Minneapolis-St Paul), rising artist Hailey James, who was already slated to perform on the main stage earlier in the day, took to social media with the bold request: to step in for Langley during Green’s set.

“You guys, Ella Langley just dropped out of the show this Thursday and I’m not really sure why and I’m really, really sad,” James began. “I feel like I’d be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t shoot my shot now that she’s not gonna be there and take over her part.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hailey James (@haileyjamesmusic)

She then spoke directly to Green, manifesting her fate as she said, “Riley, if you’re watching this, I am opening for you this Thursday. I am on the main stage. My name is Hailey James, and I would love to join you for this song.”

James also mentioned that three years ago, she went viral for being pulled up on stage with Dustin Lynch at Country Fest in Wisconsin, thus hopefully proving to Green that she has what it takes to impress a crowd.

“I feel like this is part of my plan, my path, my journey…hopefully you see this.”

She ended her message by showcasing her talent with an acoustic delivery of “You Look Like You Love Me.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hailey James (@haileyjamesmusic)

In another follow-up video, James recorded the moment she heard the local radio station sharing her attempt to reach out to Riley Green.

She wrote, “THIS IS CRAZY! @rileyduckman give the people what they want!! And me haha! I’d be so blessed to share the stage with you! HEAR OUR CALL🥺🫶🏻 AND THANK YOU 102.9 The Wolf!! You guys are the best!!”

It turns out her bold attempt worked because Green ended up seeing her video and the next night, she took the stage and her heart out alongside the Alabama native.

@cow97.1 You never know what’ll happen in the Hayfield! #midwestcmo #countrymusic #rileygreen #ellalangley ♬ original sound – COW97.1

Hailey James wasn’t the only act to shoot her shot. Country trio Just Jayne also made their way into Green’s set after a couple of playful TikToks that were posted in the days leading up to their performance at the festival.

The first clip featured the text: “POV we’re playing a festival with Riley Green in 2 days” written over a video of one of the band members scrolling through Green’s Instagram page. She jokingly said, “I feel like he’s probably not even that cute in person.”

@justjaynemusic

crying 😭

♬ Worst Way – Riley Green

A user commented “she’s preparing,” causing the group to respond with another video of a member on the plane, listening to the title track to Green’s latest album, “Don’t Mind If I Do,” which also just so happens to be a duet with Ella Langley.

The clever play by Just Jayne landed them the chance to join him for his RIAA Gold-certified collaboration.

The Hoofbeat Country Fest continues tonight, June 27 and runs through Saturday, June 28. Lainey Wilson will serve as tonight’s headliner following by Brooks & Dunn who will shut down the main stage for the final act tomorrow night.