Tucker Wetmore has been named the 2026 ACM New Male Artist of the Year, marking the first ACM Award of his career. The honor was announced during a recent concert in London, where Wetmore was performing as part of the European and U.K. leg of his Brunette World Tour.
During the show, Wetmore’s mother, Sia, came onstage as a video message from Thomas Rhett appeared on the venue screens. The message confirmed Wetmore as this year’s winner, and his mother presented the award in front of the audience.
Wetmore, 26, is a country artist from Washington state. He moved to Nashville after an injury ended his football career and later built momentum with songs including Wine Into Whiskey and Wind Up Missin’ You. His debut album, What Not To, was released in 2025.
The award places Wetmore among the new artist honorees recognized by the Academy of Country Music ahead of the 2026 ACM Awards ceremony.