Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore’s mom interrupted him during a show for the best reason.
Wetmore, 26, was in the midst of his final night of a sold-out, three-show run on Thursday evening (April 30) at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London England.
“I don’t mean to interrupt this amazing show. But if anybody can do it, it’s me, his mom,” the singer-songwriter’s mom, Sia, said in a clip shared on Instagram. She brought her son to the front of the stage, and directed the audience to look at the screens.
“Mom, what are you doing here?” Wetmore asked. Sia replied, “just never you mind. Get your butt up here.” He replied, “yes, ma’am.”
Thomas Rhett appeared on screen with an unforgettable surprise for the “Brunette” star.
“Congratulations on winning ACM Male New Artist of the Year. …I’m so insanely proud of you,” Rhett said, in part, as the audience cheered. “Cannot wait to celebrate with you in Vegas, brother.”
Wetmore hugged his mom in the emotional moment. She told him, “you lead with courage, conviction, honor and faith, and you exemplify what any man in this world should be. …You have absolutely worked your a** off in the last year, and there is nobody more deserving than you of this trophy. So congratulations. You have f***ing earned it.” Watch that moment here (warning: language).
The Academy of Country Music shared that moment on Instagram, noting that the New Male Artist of the Year honor is Wetmore’s first-ever ACM award. Rhett commented, “love ya Tuck. So proud of you.”
“None of this is possible without God, my people, and my fans. Thank y’all,” Wetmore commented on another ACM Instagram post.
The Academy of Country Music also revealed Avery Anna won the New Female Artist of the Year honor. The two winners will celebrate when the 61st ACM Awards takes place later this month in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted for the first time by Shania Twain. Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson lead the nominations (nine, eight, seven and seven, respectively), followed by Chris Stapleton (six), Zach Top (five), and Cody Johnson (four). Lambert, Wilson, Johnson, Riley Green, Kacey Musgraves and Little Big Town will take the stage during the star-studded event at the MGM Grand Arena. Wetmore and Anna will also perform during the show, along with Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett and Zach Top, the Academy of Country Music announced on Friday (May 1).
One day before the show, on Saturday, May 16, Wetmore will also take part in the ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash, located at Mandalay Bay Beach. Keith Urban is headlining the event, which also features Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Dasha, Flatland Cavalry and other artists.
The 61st ACM Awards will kick off at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 17. See the full list of nominees here.