Show summary Hide summary
Tucker Wetmore accepted the Rising Star Award at Billboard’s Country Power Players 2026 on June 3 in Nashville, with country star HARDY presenting the honor. The rising singer, who was named the Academy of Country Music Awards’ New Male Artist of the Year earlier this year, thanked God and his team as he reflected on his rapid ascent in country music.
Quick Facts
- Award date: June 3, 2026, at Category 10 in Nashville
- Presented by: Country artist HARDY
- Recent accolade: ACM New Male Artist of the Year (April 30, 2026)
- Hit songs: “Brunette,” “3,2,1,” and “Wind Up Missin’ You”
From Small-Town Washington to Country Stardom
Tucker Wetmore, a 26-year-old from Kalama, Washington, has achieved remarkable success in a remarkably short time. His journey to the Billboard Country Power Players stage reflects a meteoric rise that began just a few years ago. After an injury ended a college football career, Wetmore turned to music, moving to Nashville in 2020 and releasing promotional singles before breaking through nationally. His breakthrough came when “Wine Into Whiskey” went viral on TikTok in late 2023, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2024 and setting the stage for his current run of chart success.
A Year of Record-Breaking Achievements
Wetmore’s 2025 debut album “What Not To” reached No. 4 on Top Country Albums and No. 15 on the Billboard 200, spawning multiple hit singles. Three of his songs—”Wind Up Missin’ You,” “3,2,1,” and “Brunette”—reached the top three on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, a feat that demonstrates his consistent ability to connect with country radio listeners. With over 1 billion career streams, Wetmore has also earned nominations at the upcoming American Music Awards, where he’s competing for breakthrough country artist and best country album. When accepting his Rising Star Award, Wetmore credited his success to faith and his team, saying “I am nothing without God” and thanking everyone who has supported his rise through the industry.
Tucker Wetmore accepts Rising Star Award at Billboard Country Power Players 2026
Love Island’s Sean Reifel left single, at risk after Episode 2
The Recognition Affirms an Extraordinary Trajectory
HARDY’s presentation of the Rising Star Award underscored Wetmore’s work ethic and impact on the country music landscape. “I know for a fact that this guy has been working his ass off,” HARDY said, adding that Wetmore “has taken Nashville by storm.” The award comes as Wetmore continues his touring schedule, including his own The Brunette World Tour and select dates with established acts like Jordan Davis, Brooks & Dunn, and HARDY himself. His rapid climb from social media sensation to industry honoree reflects the evolving nature of country music success, where viral moments can launch careers that traditional industry pathways once controlled. The Billboard Country Power Players event, held at The Eye Rooftop at Category 10 in downtown Nashville, celebrates the artists and executives driving the genre’s unprecedented global growth.
Sources
- Billboard — Event recap and award presentation details
- Billboard — Tucker Wetmore career background and ACM award information
