Carson Daly Performs as Ella Langley for Halloween
The television host honored the pop star during a special TODAY show celebration.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Pop
During the TODAY show Halloween event on Rockefeller Plaza, Carson Daly surprised viewers by performing as pop artist Ella Langley. He lip-synced to the hit song Choosin' Texas while dressed in a signature jumpsuit and wig.
Why it matters
Daly selected the costume to bring a current and popular musical performance to the morning show's annual holiday festivities. His choice highlights the massive cultural reach of the track, which has dominated music charts throughout the year.
The song Choosin' Texas reigned at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 25 weeks. This performance officially surpassed the previous chart record held by Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You.
The players
Carson Daly
He is a prominent television personality and host known for his work on the TODAY show and various entertainment programs.
Ella Langley
She is a popular musical artist currently recognized for achieving record-breaking chart success with her hit song.
The details
Carson Daly wore a red jumpsuit paired with a brown wig to mirror the appearance of Ella Langley for his stage performance. The reveal occurred on the TODAY Plaza, transitioning from his regular PopStart segment to a live showcase.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Carson Daly performed as Ella Langley during the TODAY show Halloween broadcast.
Industry Dynamics
The success of Choosin' Texas updates the long-standing Billboard Hot 100 number one duration record previously established by Mariah Carey. This shift reflects the evolving nature of chart dominance in the modern pop music era.
Fans of the TODAY show can view clips of the performance on the program's official digital channels. This segment allows viewers to see the popular song showcased within the context of the network's annual Halloween special.
The takeaway
Daly's costume choice underscores how viral pop music now defines the tone of major morning television events. Viewers can keep track of current chart-toppers to better understand the cultural references appearing in modern live broadcasts.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in the music industry, visit our Pop section.
