In late September, Ella Langley officially released her cover of “Wish I Didn’t Know Now,” the 1993 hit originally recorded by the late Toby Keith, making the song available across all major streaming platforms.
Langley announced the release on September 30, sharing with fans on social media:
“Surprise! My cover of Toby Keith’s ‘Wish I Didn’t Know Now’ is now streaming on all platforms.”
The song was first recorded live as part of Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered, but that version was exclusive to Apple Music. Fans using other streaming services quickly began requesting a wider release — and Langley delivered.
Fans Praise a Fresh, Heartfelt Interpretation
Following its release, Langley’s version received an outpouring of praise online. Many listeners noted that her performance brought a new emotional depth to a song that has long been a staple of ’90s country music.
Fans commented that Langley made the track feel “brand new again,” applauding her ability to highlight the quiet heartbreak beneath the lyrics. Others expressed gratitude for the respectful way she honored Keith’s legacy, with several remarks suggesting the song felt even more poignant in light of his passing.
One recurring sentiment stood out: while Toby Keith’s original delivery was restrained and understated, Langley’s interpretation leaned into the sadness that had always lived just beneath the surface.
A Tribute Brought to the Stage
Since releasing the cover, Langley has incorporated “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” into her live performances, where it has quickly become a fan-favorite moment.
During a show in Orlando, Florida on January 29, Langley performed the song at a particularly meaningful time — just days before the second anniversary of Toby Keith’s passing on February 5. For many in attendance, the performance felt less like a cover and more like a quiet tribute, delivered with sincerity rather than spectacle.
That same night, Langley also gave the live debut of her latest single, “Dandelion,” marking an important moment in her growing career.
Carrying a Legacy Forward
Ella Langley’s cover of “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” serves as more than a reinterpretation of a classic. It stands as a reminder of how Toby Keith’s music continues to resonate with new generations of artists and listeners alike.
By preserving the spirit of the original while adding her own emotional perspective, Langley offers a respectful continuation of Keith’s legacy — one that proves the song, like its writer, still has something to say.