Tucker Wetmore Gets Emotional After ACM New Male Artist of the Year Surprise: ‘I’m At A Loss For Words’

Tucker Wetmore got the surprise of a lifetime during the final night of his three-night, sold-out run in London, England, when he was named ACM New Male Artist of the Year. The moment came when his mom, Sia, paused the show to share the exciting news. 

“I don’t mean to interrupt this amazing show, but if anybody can do it, it’s me, his mom,” Sia laughed. “Tucker, can you please come out here to the front of the stage? We have this surprise.”

She then directed both Wetmore and the crowd to look at the screens on either side of the stage as a video message from Thomas Rhett began to play.

After taking a playful jab at Wetmore’s “trash” golf game, Rhett delivered the big announcement:

“Tucker, I know you’ve been out of the country forever, like seven weeks. So I figured you’d want to see a familiar face. But other than that, I just want to say congratulations on winning ACM Male New Artist of the Year. Everybody go crazy. Go crazy,” he said. “Buddy, I love you. I’m so insanely proud of you. You have busted your butt. You’re one of the most talented people in the game. I’m so glad I got to see it all last year on the road, just watching you just crush it every single night. Cannot wait to celebrate with you in Vegas, brother. I love you.”

Upon hearing the news, Wetmore was overcome with emotion. As the crowd erupted into applause, he embraced his mom as they both wiped away tears. He walked around the stage trying to collect himself, but the moment clearly hit hard. At one point, he sweetly reached over to wipe away his mom’s tears.

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Once he was finally able to gather his thoughts, he addressed the crowd.

“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.”

Wetmore was nominated for ACM New Male Artist of the Year alongside Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason, Shaboozey, and Hudson Westbrook. His win comes just days after Avery Anna was named ACM New Female Artist of the Year.

The remaining categories will be revealed during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, set for Sunday, May 17, 2026. Hosted by Shania Twain, the show will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The milestone marks a major moment in what’s been a rapid rise for the Back Blocks Music/MCA/Mercury Records artist, who’s quickly made a name for himself as one of country music’s hottest new artists. Tucker Wetmore has already scored back-to-back No. 1 singles, with the high-energy “Brunette” on track to follow suit in the coming weeks, and recently spent three straight weeks at No. 1 on the U.K. Radio Country Airplay chart.

Building on a breakout 2025, his debut album What Not To became the biggest country album from a new artist last year. The project debuted at No. 15 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and has helped drive more than 2 billion global career streams.

Wetmore is in the midst of his Brunette World Tour and will soon take the stage inside Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest. 

New music from Tucker Wetmore is expected to roll out throughout the remainder of the year.