Surprise! Ella Langley Releases Cover Of Toby Keith’s “Wish I Didn’t Know Now”

Toby Keith continues to inspire a new wave of country music artists, and Ella Langley is proudly carrying that torch.

Toby Keith Inspiring The Next Generation

Ella Langley, the fast-rising country star from Alabama, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Toby Keith. Known for her raw vocals and honest storytelling, Langley recently surprised fans with a cover of Keith’s “Wish I Didn’t Know Now”.

The 2024 ACM Award winner and CMA nominee has already proven herself with her debut album Hungover, which solidified her as one of Nashville’s most promising new voices. Earlier this year, she joined Megan Moroney, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tucker Wetmore, and Ashley McBryde on an Apple Music project honoring Keith through exclusive covers.

Speaking on Keith’s influence, Langley shared:

“I think that’s what it takes to be an artist like Toby Keith: giving your all, letting your fans in, and seeing who you are as a human being, because we’re just human beings at the end of the day. Whether it was through being onstage or being in a writers’ room, he just told the truth and was honest about what he believed in. It’s inspiring.”

Ella Langley’s Surprise Release

Ella Langley Honors Toby Keith With Surprise Cover of "Wish I Didn't Know Now" - American Songwriter

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Langley’s version of “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” dropped on all streaming platforms.

The original song, written by Toby Keith himself, was released in February 1994 as the final single from his debut album. It climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was later certified Gold by the RIAA, marking one of Keith’s earliest hits that shaped his legendary career.

Fans can now relive the magic with both Keith’s original and Langley’s fresh rendition.

🎥 Watch Toby Keith’s original performance below!

Fans React To Ella Langley’s Cover

The reaction from country fans was immediate and overwhelmingly positive.

One fan commented:

“You absolutely made that song like it’s brand new again, Love It!”

Another added:

“Thank you for honoring Toby in such a beautiful way. Your version of his song is amazing.”

Langley’s ability to balance respect for Toby’s legacy with her own artistic identity has made this cover one of her most celebrated performances yet.

🎶 Listen to Ella Langley’s version of “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” below and see why fans are calling it her best release to date.

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