We Can Thank Ella Langley for Riley Green’s Mustache
LAS VEGAS — It turns out we have rising country star Ella Langley to thank—or perhaps to blame—for Riley Green’s now-signature mustache. While the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards were filled with memorable moments, backstage chatter brought a surprising truth to light about the origin of Green’s rugged new look: it all started as a dare.
Riley Green, known for his hit songs like “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” and his all-American good looks, has always kept a clean-cut image—until recently. Fans have noticed that Green has been sporting a distinct mustache in recent months, and opinions have ranged from swooning approval to playful confusion. But during a recent interview with Country Now, Green revealed the origin story behind his facial hair, and it all points back to his tour mate, Ella Langley.
“I actually grew it because Ella Langley said I wouldn’t,” Green said, grinning. “So I had to.”
Langley, known for her gritty Southern sound and breakout single “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” didn’t deny her role in the matter. When asked about it on the ACM red carpet, she laughed and confirmed, “Yeah, that was me. I dared him. Didn’t think he’d actually go through with it, but now here we are.”
The two artists have been touring together on Green’s Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour, and fans have noted the playful chemistry between the pair on social media and in backstage content. The mustache, which began as a joke, has since become something of a trademark for Green, prompting fan pages and even faux merchandise showcasing the unexpected facial feature.
Green says he’s warmed up to the look.
“Honestly, I’ve gotten used to it. I kinda like the old-school vibe—it’s like a throwback to ‘70s country,” he explained. “Plus, people seem to love talking about it. If a mustache is what it takes to get folks to a show, I’m all in.”
Langley, for her part, has taken full credit for what she jokingly calls “a cultural moment.”
“I might’ve created a monster,” she quipped. “But it’s a good-looking monster.”
Their humorous exchange has only added to fan intrigue, with social media lighting up over the interaction. TikTok edits, Instagram memes, and Twitter polls asking fans to vote “Keep it or lose it?” have all popped up in the wake of the reveal.
Green’s mustache even made a special appearance at the ACM Awards, where he performed alongside other top names in country music. It seems the dare turned into a branding opportunity, and Riley Green—mustache and all—is leaning in.
As the tour continues and both artists continue to rise in the industry, one thing is clear: Ella Langley may not have written Riley Green’s next single, but she definitely shaped his latest style choice. And judging by the fan reactions, it may be one of her most influential moves yet.
