Country music artist Tucker Wetmore has received his first nomination for a CMA Award. The 25-year-old singer and songwriter is nominated for New Artist of the Year. This announcement came while Wetmore was on an off day from touring with Thomas Rhett. The awards ceremony will broadcast live on November 19 on ABC.
Key Takeaways
- Tucker Wetmore nominated for New Artist of the Year at CMA Awards.
- This is Wetmore's first nomination at the prestigious country music event.
- Fellow Washington artist Zach Top also nominated in the same category.
- Wetmore's debut album, "What Not To," explores personal themes and diverse country sounds.
- He will perform in his home state of Washington during Thomas Rhett's tour.
First CMA Nomination for Rising Star
Tucker Wetmore expressed his excitement about the nomination. He learned the news while preparing for a day on the water in Savannah, Georgia. "Pretty crazy, isn't it?" Wetmore stated. "I'm going out on the boat, and I'm a CMA nominee. You can't really beat that." This recognition follows a significant 18 months for the artist.
Wetmore achieved a double-platinum hit with his song "Wind Up Missin' You." He has also opened for major country artists, including Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean. These achievements made his nomination for New Artist of the Year a strong possibility.
Fast Facts
- Artist Age: 25 years old
- Hometown: Kalama, Washington
- Debut Album: "What Not To" (released Spring 2025)
- Breakout Hit: "Wind Up Missin' You" (double-platinum)
- Awards Nomination: New Artist of the Year, CMA Awards
Washington State Representation in Country Music
Wetmore's nomination is notable because he is one of two artists from Washington state nominated in this high-profile category. Zach Top, another country artist from Washington, also received a New Artist of the Year nomination. This marks the second time these two friends have been nominated for the same award. Earlier this spring, Top won New Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards.
"Dude, it’s awesome," Wetmore said about the success of Washington artists in the country genre. "Me and Zach are really good buddies. I tell people, people will be like, ‘Where are you from?’ Well, I’m from Washington state. And they’re like … ‘Oh, that ain’t country up there, you don’t know what you’re talking about.’ But it’s country as country gets, and I feel like a lot of people are starting to see that, especially with the music coming out of the area, like me and Zach Top. It’s cool to be representing the Pacific Northwest the way that we are."
This dual nomination challenges common perceptions about country music's geographical origins. It highlights the growing influence of artists from the Pacific Northwest in a genre traditionally associated with the Southern United States.
Returning Home for Tour Dates
Wetmore, who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee, will soon return to his home state. He is part of Thomas Rhett's tour, which includes several stops in Washington. These dates are scheduled for September. The tour will visit Spokane on September 18, Auburn's White River Amphitheatre on September 25, and Cascades Amphitheater in Ridgefield on September 26.
The Ridgefield performance holds special significance for Wetmore. "When we confirmed the tour with Thomas, I was looking at the dates and where we’re playing. I saw Ridgefield and I go, ‘No freakin’ way, dude,’" Wetmore shared. Ridgefield is approximately 15 minutes from his hometown of Kalama. He looks forward to performing for his friends and family there.
Background on Tucker Wetmore
Tucker Wetmore grew up in Kalama, Washington. He was a football standout at Kalama High School. His musical influences were diverse, including rock, reggae, and country radio. He is a self-taught musician. Wetmore first gained attention on TikTok with his song "Wine Into Whiskey" before signing a record deal. His journey from a small Washington town to national recognition showcases the evolving landscape of country music talent discovery.
Exploring "What Not To" Album
Wetmore's debut album, "What Not To," was released in the spring. This 19-song album showcases his range and commitment to a more traditional country sound. Earlier songs, like "Wine Into Whiskey," blended hip-hop beats. However, "What Not To" focuses on organic, straightforward country music, similar to his hit "Wind Up Missin' You."
The album features slickly produced modern country tunes. It includes strong melodies, clever lyrics, and evocative storytelling. Wetmore's unique perspective is evident throughout the tracklist. The album also features his viral hits, demonstrating their integration into his broader musical vision.
Musical Range and Themes
"What Not To" displays significant musical variety within a full-band country framework. The album's first half moves smoothly through different styles. Examples include the soft-rocking "Bad Luck Looks Good on Me," the Western-influenced "Brunette," and the piano-driven classic country ballad "Goodbye Whiskey."
Another notable track, "Takes One to Break One," ties together several album themes. These themes include breaking old patterns and taking chances. The song conveys a resilient attitude, which resonates with many listeners. Wetmore recently collaborated with Texas rapper BigXthaPlug, showing his willingness to explore different musical avenues outside his main album focus.
Vulnerability and Connection Through Music
Wetmore stated that his goal for the first album was to help people get to know him. "The first album, I wanted it to be get-to-know-me kind of stuff," he explained. "I feel like everything happened so fast that I didn’t really get the chance to have people get to know me. So, that was kind of my focus point — all right, let’s let people in. Let’s let people know who Tucker is."
The title track, "What Not To," is the most emotionally impactful song on the album. It reflects on Wetmore's relationship with his father. This was a sensitive subject for him, and he initially hesitated to include it on the record. He previously joked about growing up in a "house full of women" with his mother and four sisters.
"At first, I didn’t want to put it on the record, if I’m being honest," Wetmore admitted. "But I sat down, I thought of why I do this and why I write songs. Why I love music is to … tell stories that I wouldn’t talk about. And this was a moment for me to really open up. … This is a huge part of me, and I still don’t really talk about it, but I just let the music talk for itself."
The song's raw honesty about a formative family dynamic has resonated deeply with fans. Its aching chorus is memorable and stands out on the album. This vulnerability has been a key factor in connecting with his audience.
Wetmore finds immense value in this connection. "The amount of people that I’ve had come up to me at shows or events saying, ‘Hey, ‘What Not To’ changed my life’ or ‘You don’t understand how much I needed to hear ‘What Not To,’ that makes it all worth it to me," he shared. He believes music serves as healing and therapy for many. He aims to contribute to that, even with just one song.
The CMA Awards nomination marks a significant milestone in Tucker Wetmore's career. It highlights his growing influence and the unique voice he brings to country music. His ability to blend traditional sounds with personal storytelling continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.