Tucker Wetmore, a 26-year-old singer from Washington state, was named the Academy of Country Music Awards’ new male artist of the year on April 30. The announcement came ahead of the 61st annual ACM Awards scheduled for May 17. Wetmore learned of the win during a performance in London when Thomas Rhett revealed it via video screens.
Wetmore received the news last week while performing in London. His mother, Sia, walked onstage and pointed to video screens where Thomas Rhett, a nine-time ACM Award winner, announced the honor. A moved Wetmore responded, “I’m at a loss for words right now for the first time in a long time. I can’t do any of this without you guys. I can’t do any of this without that woman [mom] right there… Y’all made this possible. Every single person in this venue. And there’s countless more outside of this venue that I can’t sit here and name because I’d be here all night. Thank y’all so much and thank you ACMs for this amazing honor.” Last summer, Wetmore opened for Rhett on tour. Seven past winners of this award, including Merle Haggard, Kenny Chesney, and Chris Stapleton, later claimed ACM entertainer of the year. Wetmore's rise includes a 2024 EP, Waves of Sunset, and his 2025 debut album, What Not To, which hit No. 4 on Top Country Albums. The album produced hits like “Wind Up Missin’ You,” “3,2,1,” and “Brunette,” three of which reached the top three on Country Airplay. His first single, “Wine Into Whiskey,” debuted at No. 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2024 after TikTok buzz. Wetmore contributed two songs to the 2024 Twisters soundtrack and has opened for Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Jordan Davis. This summer, he will join Jordan Davis, HARDY, and Brooks & Dunn for select tour dates while headlining his own The Brunette World Tour. He also faces nominations at the upcoming American Music Awards for breakthrough country artist and best country album.
