Ella Langley's take on Dolly Parton classic is drawing criticism from some viewers.
The "Choosin' Texas" singer delivered one of the key musical tributes to Parton on a televised tribute to the Queen of Country: CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," on Oct. 21.
Stepping onstage in a flowing gown with glittering sleeves, her hair swept up in an updo with her trademark bangs and fringe framing her face, Langley performed "Jolene" with a unique twist. She stood alone in the spotlight at center stage, backed by a full band and singers.But the tribute prompted some viewers to share their disappointment online, with many commentators criticizing Langley's rendition for not doing justice to one of Parton's signature songs.
One X user @IDanishCamille wrote, "I love Ella but [in my opinion] she did a HORRIBLE job with Jolene, horrible performance. Saying she stole the show is the words of a tunnel vision fan."
Another X user @mercurywilde wrote, "like ok you’re singing the lyrics and (barely) hitting the notes but that’s kinda all there is to it. give it some yearning, put some drama into it, make ONE facial expression."
One post from X account Country Limit prompted debate among country music fans by asking, "Is she just paying respects to Dolly, or did she butcher this?"
Another commenter @ThePopMitchell agreed, writing, "I love Ella, but there was only one artist who should have sung Jolene: Miley."
"Not that she butchered it, it’s just there’s not a lot of emotion behind her singing an emotional song like this," commented user @SelenaGomezyuh wrote. "Miley sang it the best, and Kasey also killed it! Ella sang it well, but didn’t kill it ya know?"
Parton was Miley Cyrus' godmother and longtime mentor, with the pair performing "Jolene" together and sharing the screen on "Hannah Montana," where Parton played Aunt Dolly on the Disney Channel show. During her Oct. 16 Hollywood Bowl concert, Cyrus tearfully remembered their bond, telling the crowd, "Me and Dolly, we are eternal."
"Jolene" first came out in 1973 and has become one of Parton's most enduring hits. Langley performed the tribute to a sold-out crowd looking on in Belmont's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, while all along, a photo of Parton from the "Jolene" era was shown behind the singer.
How to watch Dolly Parton tribute concert
Langley was one of many artists to celebrate Parton at the two-hour live TV special. From classic country legends and current superstars to bluegrass and Broadway performers, Ashley McBryde, Zac Brown , Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were also on the bill.
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" aired live on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally, and is available on Hulu now.
Ella Langley 'Choosin' Texas' success comes amid criticism
Weeks before the tribute, Langley spoke about the toll of public scrutinyas her career took off. Langley recently broke the Billboard record for longest No. 1 on the Hot 100 with her massive hit "Choosin' Texas."
During a Sept. 25 concert in Columbus, Ohio, the 27-year-old described being judged for her appearance and music. She told the crowd she had even began questioning whether she could withstand the attention that came with success.
"I don't think I've ever had more opinions on myself in my life than I have in this last year," Langley said. "The way I look, the way I speak, the way I dress, the way I move, the way I sing, the way I write.
"If this is what I'm signed up to do, I don't know about this, you know? I signed up to sing music and I love to do what I do, but if this is what it's going to be the whole entire time, I mean … I don't know if I'm strong enough for this," Langley said during her speech.
Contributing: Chris Parton, The Nashville Tennessean
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ella Langley's Dolly Parton 'Jolene' tribute draws criticism
