\n<\/p>\n
Tucker Wetmore<\/a> had no idea what was coming.<\/p>\n The rising country star was onstage in London when his show suddenly took an unexpected turn \u2014 one that would mark a major milestone in his career.<\/p>\n By the end of the night, he was holding his first ACM Award<\/a>.<\/p>\n Wetmore was performing<\/a> the final night of a sold-out, three-show run at the O2 Forum Kentish Town when a video message from Thomas Rhett interrupted the show.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/b><\/em>Tucker Wetmore Was Told He\u2019d Never Make It in Country Music<\/a><\/p>\n That\u2019s when the surprise began. Rhett revealed that Wetmore had been named the 2026 ACM Best New Male Artist<\/strong> \u2014 a moment that caught him completely off guard.<\/p>\n But the biggest moment came next. Wetmore\u2019s mother, Sia, walked onstage to present him with the award, making the milestone even more meaningful.<\/p>\n Visibly emotional, he embraced her<\/a> as the crowd reacted, creating one of the most memorable moments of the night.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/i><\/b>Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert Top 2026 ACM Nominees \u2013 See the Full List<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m at a loss for words right now for the first time in a long time,\u201d the \u201cBrunette\u201d singer told the crowd. \u201cI can\u2019t do any of this without you guys\u2026 I can\u2019t do any of this without that woman right there,\u201d he added, pointing to his mom.<\/p>\n The moment also marked a rare move for the Academy of Country Music<\/a>.<\/p>\n The organization sent the trophy overseas for the surprise \u2014 something it hasn\u2019t done in recent years.<\/p>\n Wetmore isn\u2019t done with the ACM stage just yet. He\u2019s also set to perform at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards<\/strong><\/em>, which will stream live on May 17.<\/p>\n Wetmore has quickly emerged as one of country\u2019s fast-rising new artists.<\/p>\n The Washington native<\/a> broke through with songs like \u201cWine Into Whiskey\u201d and \u201cWind Up Missin\u2019 You,\u201d and released his debut album What Not To in 2025.<\/p>\n His mix of modern country and emotional storytelling has helped him build momentum \u2014 and now, his first ACM win marks a major milestone in that rise.<\/p>\n This Washington state native was a talented football player in college, but after an injury sidelined his career, he turned back to his first love: Music. <\/p>\n Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Surprise From Thomas Rhett<\/h3>\n
A Moment With His Mom<\/h3>\n
A First for the ACMs<\/h3>\n
A Rising Star<\/h3>\n
10 Tucker Wetmore Songs Every New Fan Should Hear<\/h2>\n