Riley Green and Ella Langley brought a fresh twist to the playful saga of a young woman and her sugar daddy during their standout performance at the NBC special, Toby Keith: American Icon. Held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024, the duo reimagined Toby Keith’s 2002 hit “Who’s Your Daddy” from his Unleashed album, turning it into a lively spectacle that had the crowd leaping to their feet.
As the song’s infectious rhythm kicked in, Green, decked out in blue jeans, a long-sleeve button-up, and a black cowboy hat, traded verses with Langley, who shimmered in a sheer blue dress paired with black high-heeled boots. Together, they spun the tale of a sly sugar daddy and a spirited young woman with humor and charm. Back in its day, “Who’s Your Daddy” dominated the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart—now called Hot Country Songs—claiming the top spot as Keith’s sixth straight number one, while also climbing to number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Green kicked things off with a grin, strumming his guitar and delivering the opening lines in his rich, deep tone, instantly winning over the audience. “Here you come tappin’ at my door, darlin’, what’s brewin’ in that head of yours? Looks like those campus fellas packed up for the summer. You’re lookin’ fine, standin’ tall, like a lady oughta be—so why’s it tricky to find a spot to rest that lovely head now and then?”
Langley jumped in with her gritty rasp, tambourine in hand, sashaying across the stage alongside Green. Their voices blended seamlessly as they tackled the song’s witty chorus: “Who’s your daddy? Who’s your sweetheart? Who’s your pal, your go-to guy? Who’s the fella you turn to when your heart’s in a tumble? I’ve got the cash if you’ve got the spark—let’s strike a bargain, hatch a scheme. Who’s your daddy? Who’s your sweetheart? Who’s your pal, your main man?”
This dynamic moment was just one highlight in a night packed with unforgettable tributes to Keith. The two-hour special featured a lineup of heavy hitters like Jelly Roll, Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, and more, all honoring the country legend’s legacy. Beyond the music, the event shone a light on Keith’s generosity, raising support for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral. Heartfelt stories from families touched by these organizations added depth to the celebration.
Toby Keith: American Icon aired on August 28, 2024, at 9 pm ET/PT on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock the next day. Keith, who passed away on February 5, 2024, after fighting stomach cancer, left behind an extraordinary career—boasting 32 chart-topping singles, 40 million albums sold, and a string of hits like “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “I Love This Bar,” and “As Good As I Once Was.” For two decades, he delivered a number one hit every year, cementing his status as a country music titan.
His trophy case overflows with honors: the National Medal of Arts, inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame, plus the Academy of Country Music’s Merle Haggard Spirit Award. Keith also snagged the BMI Icon Award, three BMI Country Songwriter of the Year titles, and a BMI Country Song of the Year nod for “As Good As I Once Was” in 2006. With over 10 billion streams and 100 million radio plays, his music continues to echo far and wide.
