WATCH: Tucker Wetmore Didn’t See His ACM Win Coming — and What Happened Next

Tucker Wetmore had no idea what was coming. The rising country star was onstage in London during a sold-out three-show run at the O2 Forum Kentish Town when a video message from Thomas Rhett interrupted the performance. Rhett revealed that Wetmore had been named the 2026 ACM Best New Male Artist—a moment that caught him completely off guard. The biggest moment came next: Wetmore’s mother, Sia, walked onstage to present him with the award, making the milestone even more meaningful. Visibly emotional, Wetmore embraced her as the crowd reacted, creating one of the most memorable moments of the night. He later said, "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 right there," pointing to his mom. This moment also marked a rare move for the Academy of Country Music (ACM), which sent the trophy overseas for the surprise presentation—a rarity in recent years. Wetmore isn’t done with the ACM stage yet; he’s set to perform at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, streaming live on May 17. Wetmore has quickly risen as one of country music’s fastest-growing new artists. A Washington native, he broke through with songs like "Wine Into Whiskey" and "Wind Up Missin’ You" and released his debut album *What Not To* in 2025. His blend of modern country and emotional storytelling has helped him gain momentum. Previously, he was a talented college football player but turned to music after an injury sidelined his career. Since then, his career has steadily climbed, earning him headliner status and tour dates with artists like Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett.