The daughter of Reese Witherspoon makes her mark alongside country icons in 'Choosin' Texas.'
Category: Arts & Culture
Ava Phillippe, the 26-year-old daughter of Hollywood stars Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, is stepping into the spotlight with a surprise role in the new music video for Ella Langley’s hit single, "Choosin’ Texas." Released on April 1, 2026, the video is already making waves in the country music scene, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Miranda Lambert, Luke Grimes, and Kaitlin Butts.
In the music video, directed by Langley herself, Ava plays a woman at a bar who captures the attention of Grimes' character, Langley's boyfriend. As the narrative progresses through a series of flashbacks, it becomes clear that Ava's character and Grimes' character share a romantic history, creating an emotional tension that drives the video’s storyline. After Langley notices Grimes' character’s longing gaze at Ava, she seeks help from Lambert, leading them to leave together and leaving Grimes’ character alone outside the bar.
“This was such a fun shoot, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be included in this stellar cast,” Ava shared on Instagram, praising Langley’s storytelling prowess. Her appearance is particularly notable as it showcases her transition into acting, a path she is still exploring. Ava has previously appeared in episodes of "Ransom Canyon" and "Doctor Odyssey," but this role marks a more prominent step in her burgeoning career.
Langley’s "Choosin’ Texas" was initially released in October 2025 and quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100, reaching the number one spot in February 2026. The song has since made headlines, having returned to the top of the charts multiple times, with its latest resurgence occurring on March 28, 2026. This achievement has made Langley the artist with the most number one hits on the Billboard charts so far this year, surpassing even Taylor Swift, who has held the top spot three times.
“We were talking on FaceTime the other night. We’ve made history with this song, both just baffled and grateful,” Langley told Country Countdown USA in March. “We loved the song, but never thought it would do this. There’s no way you can predict it.” Langley co-wrote the song with Lambert, who also appears in the video, enhancing its appeal with her star power.
The video was filmed at the iconic Stagecoach Ballroom in Fort Worth, Texas, and runs for 7 minutes and 2 seconds. It captures the essence of Texas culture through its visuals and narrative, featuring the main cast and cameos from notable rodeo stars and members of the Texas A&M Aggie Wranglers dance team. This massive ensemble adds authenticity to the story, which explores themes of love and loyalty.
Luke Grimes, known for his role in the hit series "Yellowstone," plays Langley’s love interest. His character returns to his Texas hometown of Abilene, where he encounters Ava’s character, reigniting past emotions and conflicts. The opening scene sets the stage for their relationship, with Langley asking Grimes, “You ever wish you didn’t leave Texas?” to which he poignantly replies, “Sometimes, then I wouldn’t have met you.” This exchange captures the video’s exploration of the tension between new love and hometown roots.
Miranda Lambert, a powerhouse in the country music industry, stars in the video and serves as a mentor to Langley. Lambert’s influence is evident as she offers emotional support to Langley through their shared experiences in the industry. During a recent interview, Langley recounted Lambert’s advice: “You are more important than this job. She made me care for myself. Having someone like that made me feel like I’m okay.”
As the music video continues to gain traction, fans have expressed their excitement on social media, particularly about Ava’s performance. Her casting has sparked discussions about the crossover between Hollywood and Nashville, as viewers appreciate the blend of talents from both worlds. Ava’s character, who embodies the spirit of Texas, warns Langley through her friend, “Texas has a way of keeping what’s hers,” a line that has resonated with audiences.
In addition to the music video, Miranda Lambert is preparing for her own 2026 world tour, which kicks off on April 11 in San Diego. Lambert's continued success and her involvement in Langley’s project highlight the dynamic nature of the country music genre and its ability to evolve through collaboration.
As Ava Phillippe navigates her career, she faces the inevitable comparisons that come with being the daughter of two celebrated actors. Reese Witherspoon has spoken candidly about the challenges of nepotism in the industry, stating, “That’s what always annoys me about this whole nepotism talk with the industry. You know, so many people grow up and end up doing what their parents do, you know, to some degree or another.” Witherspoon emphasized the importance of allowing her daughter to find her own path, encouraging her to explore various opportunities.
Ava’s role in "Choosin’ Texas" is not just a familial connection; it’s a statement of her individuality and talent. As she continues to build her resume, the music video serves as a launching pad for her future endeavors in acting and perhaps beyond. The blend of storytelling, emotional depth, and star power in "Choosin’ Texas" is a reflection of the vibrant and ever-evolving country music scene.
With the music video already defining April 2026 in country music, it stands as a cultural moment that showcases the convergence of Hollywood and Nashville talent. As Ella Langley prepares for her upcoming Dandelion Tour, starting May 7, 2026, fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for both her and Ava Phillippe in the world of entertainment.