Country music enthusiasts in Illinois are set to welcome breakout star Ella Langley to the Grandstand Stage at the 2026 Illinois State Fair on August 21. Langley, who has cemented her spot as a leading new voice in the genre, will bring her critically acclaimed sounds to Springfield next summer. Her debut album 'hungover' and 3x Platinum-certified single "you look like you love me," have elevated her quickly to the top of the charts, according to an official announcement from the Illinois State Fair.
Ella Langley made her mark in the music industry rapidly, walking away with every category her work was nominated for at the CMAs and becoming the first artist to do so. Her second No. 1 hit, "weren't for the wind," placed her amongst the few female artists to achieve back-to-back top positions on the Country Airplay Chart with their initial releases. "We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Ella Langley to the Illinois State Fair," Jerry Costello II, the Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, was quoted as saying in an official statement. Following her successful tour, which included a sold-out finale at Nashville's iconic Ryman Auditorium, Langley is set to continue to swiftly build her legacy in the coming year.
Langley's earlier performances have already established her as a notable figure, with a track record of success at award shows like the ACM Awards, where she led with eight nominations and won five. Her latest single, "Choosin’ Texas," not only marked her highest-charting debut but also became her largest solo streaming release to date. Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager, expressed confidence in Langley's upcoming performance, declaring, "Ella Langley’s energy and talent make her an incredible addition to our Grandstand lineup," in a recent announcement.
Tickets for the Ella Langley show are set to go on sale on December 6 at 10 a.m., with varied pricing tiers available and a special discount offered for early purchases of some tickets. Fans are to quickly act to snag their tickets before the discount expires on December 31, 2025. The anticipation for Langley's performance at the fair is evident and is expected only to climb as the date approaches. Addressing the eagerness of fans and fairgoers alike, state fair organizers encourage patrons to keep connected through their social media channels for the latest news and updates on the state fair schedule.
