Tucker Wetmore Teases ‘Fun’ ACM Awards Performance And ‘Kind Of Sexy’ Red Carpet Look [Exclusive]
Wetmore is ready to bring the heat to the star-studded night, especially going in a winner in the New Male Artist of the Year category.
Tucker Wetmore; Photo by Chase Foster
Ahead of his ACM Awards performance on Sunday, Tucker Wetmore is reflecting on his recent ACM New Male Artist of the Year win while teasing what fans can expect from both his performance and red carpet look.
We caught up with the rising star backstage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena following rehearsals for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, where he opened up about the emotional moment he received the life-changing news.
Tucker Wetmore Reflects On His Emotional ACM Awards Win
Wetmore was nearing the end of a seven-week overseas run when his sold-out concert in London suddenly turned into an unexpected celebration. During the show, his mother surprised him on stage with a video message from Thomas Rhett before presenting him with his very first ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year.
The moment hit especially hard for the “Brunette” singer, who admitted he had already been feeling homesick after spending so much time away from family and loved ones.
The Surprise Moment That Left Him In Tears
“At that point, I’d been out for seven weeks and it’s a long time to be away from home and loved ones and family. So I mean there was definitely emotions flowing towards the end because I was missing home. But then my mom comes out on stage with the award and I think just a mix of everything that I had going on in my life and that award and knowing how hard, not just me, but my whole team has worked on it, I just broke down seeing my mama. It was special,” he recalled.
For Wetmore, earning recognition from the country music community truly “means the world.”
“I’ve looked up to country music pretty much my whole life and the fact that they see a spot for me at the table, that just makes me emotional…I’m just happy to be here,” he proudly shared.
What Fans Can Expect From His ACM Awards Performance
As for his ACM Awards performance, Wetmore kept details under wraps but promised fans they’re in for a fun moment, and maybe even a little of his signature hip shaking.
“It’s going to be fun,” he teased.
While in Las Vegas, Wetmore is also slated to perform at ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash at the iconic Mandalay Bay Beach Wave Pool. And yes, he admitted there’s a chance he could spend a little time gambling while in town.
Inside Tucker Wetmore’s “Nostalgic” And “Kind Of Sexy” Red Carpet Look
Fans can also expect Wetmore to bring plenty of style to the ACM Awards red carpet. Describing the look in just a few words, he called it “nostalgic” and “kind of sexy.”
The chart-topping artist joins a packed ACM Awards performance lineup that includes Blake Shelton, Parker McCollum alongside Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Dan + Shay, Kacey Musgraves, and many more.
Hosted by Shania Twain, the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will stream live exclusively on Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT for viewers in more than 240 countries and territories.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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