Riley Green’s playful confession about expecting texts from exes after winning PEOPLE’s Sexiest Country Star reveals more about his down-to-earth charm than any award could—proving why fans adore him.
The Win That Didn’t Spark Exes’ Attention
When Riley Green was crowned PEOPLE’s Sexiest Country Star Alive in 2025, he admitted to Taste of Country Nights that he half-expected a flurry of texts from past flames. “I was expecting ex-girlfriends to text me about it… I don’t know. Because I won, or something,” he joked. Instead, the 37-year-old star was met with radio silence—except from his buddies, who wasted no time teasing him.
Green’s reaction? Pure, self-deprecating humor. “It wasn’t that, it was just a bunch of my buddies back home giving me a hard time,” he said. The moment encapsulates why fans love him: he’s a superstar who doesn’t take himself too seriously.
The Toby Keith Connection
Green’s playful frustration echoed a classic country trope—one immortalized by Toby Keith‘s 1999 hit “How Do You Like Me Now?!”. “You remember ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!,’ Toby Keith? That was playing in my head over and over,” Green confessed. The song, about a high school crush who overlooked Keith before his fame, became an anthem for anyone who’s ever wanted to prove their worth.
But Green’s twist? He didn’t need validation. The joke was on him—and he loved it. His ability to laugh at himself, even in a moment of triumph, is why he stands out in Nashville.
Why This Matters for Country Music
Green’s Sexiest Country Star win wasn’t just about looks—it was about authenticity. In an industry where image often overshadows substance, his reaction to the title (and the lack of exes’ texts) proved he’s the real deal. Fans don’t just love his music; they love his everyman charm.
His 2024 album, Don’t Mind If I Do, and his CMA wins for “You Look Like You Love Me” (a duet with Ella Langley) cemented his place in country music. But it’s moments like these—humble, funny, and unfiltered—that make him a fan favorite.
The Bigger Picture: Fame vs. Real Life
Green’s dating life, or lack thereof, is another testament to his grounded nature. “Any girl that meets me, after about two weeks of seeing how much I’m gone on tour, she’s ready to go the other way,” he admitted. It’s a rare glimpse into the reality behind the glamour—even a Sexiest Country Star struggles with work-life balance.
His win beat out heavyweights like Warren Zeiders, Shaboozey, and Cody Johnson, but Green’s appeal isn’t about competition. It’s about connection. And in the end, that’s what country music is all about.
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