Tucker Wetmore, the rising country music artist, received a nomination for New Artist of the Year at the 59th CMA Awards, announced on November 19, 2025. Wetmore, known for his debut #1 hit “Wind Up Missin’ You,” initially thought the news was a dream upon waking early in the morning. The Washington native joins fellow nominees Zach Top, Ella Langley, Shaboozey, and Stephen Wilson Jr. Wetmore’s nomination highlights the expanding reach of country music beyond the traditional Southern audience. The awards ceremony will air on Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Main Details
Wetmore’s debut single, “Wind Up Missin’ You”, marked his breakthrough in the country music scene and will be his first performance at a CMA Awards show. Both Wetmore and fellow Washington native Zach Top are among the few nominees from the Pacific Northwest, reflecting country music’s increasingly nationwide appeal.
The New Artist category features a diverse group, including Ella Langley, Shaboozey, and Stephen Wilson Jr., all of whom have contributed notable works to the genre in 2025. Wetmore has built his reputation on touring, radio play, and streaming success, culminating in his first CMA nomination at the age of 26.
Quotes and Reactions
Wetmore told ABC Audio about his initial reaction:
“I was kind of in shock… I woke up and thought, ‘Was that a dream?’ My manager confirmed it was real, and it just felt surreal.”
He also shared why “Wind Up Missin’ You” was chosen for his CMA debut performance:
“It was the first song that really started paving the path to where I’m at now. It just seemed fitting to perform it for my first CMA moment.”
On his relationship with fellow nominee Zach Top, Wetmore added:
“We’re always joking around… country music has a wider audience than just the South, and it’s exciting to see that reflected in our nominations.”
Music analysts praised Wetmore’s nomination as a sign of country music’s evolving geography and sound.
“Tucker Wetmore’s recognition is significant because it demonstrates that fresh voices from outside Nashville are making a real impact in the genre,” said music critic Laura Greene.
Impact Analysis
Wetmore’s nomination positions him as one of the top emerging artists in country music for 2025. Recognition by the CMA can increase streaming numbers, radio play, and industry visibility, providing momentum for his future releases. For the CMA Awards, Wetmore’s nomination also reflects the growing diversity of talent in the genre, both geographically and stylistically.
Success at the CMA Awards could open doors for festival appearances, collaborations with established artists, and further chart success for Wetmore and his peers.
What’s Next
The 59th CMA Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, where Wetmore will perform his hit single “Wind Up Missin’ You”. Fans will watch closely to see whether he wins New Artist of the Year. Following the awards, Wetmore plans to continue touring and releasing new music, expanding his national presence.
