Riley Green had a problem during his recent performance in Maui: he was ready to sing “Don’t Mind If I Do,” but the female duet partner usually brought onstage for the song wasn’t available.
Fortunately, Randy Houser was more than willing to fill the role.
The unexpected pairing turned into one of the funniest moments at the No Kai ‘Oi Songwriters Festival, where Green gave Houser the original part recorded by Ella Langley. Before launching into the song, Green joked with the crowd: “Alright, let’s picture a pretty girl is up here to sing this part.”
Houser may not have been quite what Green had in mind, but the two delivered a performance that quickly caught fans’ attention online.
Randy Houser Takes Over Ella Langley’s Part
Green performed at the Maui festival ahead of the 2026 CMA Awards, where he is competing against artists including Kacey Musgraves, Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen.
The setting offered a chance to unwind with live music, but the singer still had a surprise in store for the audience.
“Don’t Mind If I Do,” the title track from Green’s third album, has become a regular feature of his live shows since its release in September 2024. The song proved particularly successful, reaching No. 1 on the US Country Airplay chart, the Top 5 on the US Hot Country Songs chart and the Top 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
When Green performs it on tour, he often invites his opening acts to sing Langley’s part. Hannah McFarland and Mackenzie Carpenter have both taken on the role in the past.
This time, however, neither was available. Houser stepped in instead, creating an unexpected male-female duet setup — except there was nothing female about Green’s substitute.
Houser, known for hits such as “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss,” embraced the moment, while Green played along with the joke.
Fans Love the Unexpected Pairing
The performance soon began circulating on TikTok, where fans were entertained by the unlikely combination and Houser’s vocal delivery.
One viewer praised the pair, writing:
“I love this song. And Randy hit that High Note, with Riley acting Silly as usual. Gotta love these two boys acting squirrely.”
Another comment simply read, “Riley is so handsome,” prompting other fans to agree and share their admiration for the country singer.
The reaction showed that the appeal wasn’t just the surprise guest appearance. Fans also enjoyed seeing two established country artists let loose and have fun onstage.
Riley Green Is Taking the Show on the Road in 2027
The Maui performance also offered a preview of what’s ahead for Green.
In 2027, he is set to headline his That’s Just Me Tour, with Jake Worthington, Muscadine Bloodline, Hannah McFarland and Randy Houser joining him on the road.
Before that tour gets underway, Green will appear at the 2026 CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 18. The ceremony airs at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.
Watch Riley Green and Randy Houser’s unexpected take on “Don’t Mind If I Do” in the video below.
