Country music’s fastest-rising star, Tucker Wetmore, has cemented his place as one to watch with the release of his debut album ‘What Not To.' The record has made waves across the music industry, debuting at No. 15 on Billboard’s all-genre 200 Albums chart—marking the biggest country debut from a new artist in 2025. Wetmore now boasts over 1 billion global streams across his catalog, an achievement that signals the arrival of a major new talent in the genre. Read our review of ‘What Not To' right here.
The momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Wetmore is set to perform a sold-out show at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, May 21, a milestone moment in his breakout year.
Arriving just a year after Wetmore first made his mark on the country scene, ‘What Not To' is already being hailed by critics as a defining debut. Billboard calls it “poised to be a star-maker,” while The Tennessean praises its around-the-clock appeal and Wetmore’s unique approach as a direct and compelling storyteller. GRAMMY.com highlights his songwriting depth, noting the vulnerability and relatability that shape each track. American Songwriter calls the album a bold statement that defines both the artist and the man behind the music.
Packed with everything from radio-friendly hits to introspective ballads, ‘What Not To' captures the full spectrum of Wetmore’s life experiences. Highlights include the viral hit ‘Brunette,' which delivered his biggest streaming debut to date, along with fan favourite ‘Drinkin’ Boots' and the emotional title track. ‘What Not To' explores themes of struggle and growth, reflecting on lessons learned rather than pretending to have all the answers. The album’s sonic range spans from the swaggering ‘Bad Luck Looks Good On Me' to the reflective ‘Goodbye Whiskey,' showcasing Wetmore’s versatility as both a vocalist and a storyteller.
Following the album’s April 25 release, Wetmore unveiled the official music video for lead single ‘3,2,1,' currently climbing at country radio and recently debuting on Billboard’s Hot 100. Directed by Shane Drake, the visual brings to life a story of lost love set against the backdrop of fading summer days.
Wetmore recently made his late-night television debut on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a high-energy performance of ‘Bad Luck Looks Good On Me,' and has also appeared on popular platforms including The Viall Files and The Zach Sang Show.
The album launch caps a blockbuster stretch for the rising star. Wetmore earned a nomination for ACM New Male Artist of the Year, made his Stagecoach debut on the Mane Stage, and wrapped the U.S. leg of his WAVES ON A SUNSET TOUR 2025. This summer, he’ll hit the road again as direct support for Thomas Rhett on the BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025 across 33 dates. The two recently teamed up on the newly released track ‘Small Town Girls.'
With a historic debut, critical acclaim, and an action-packed tour schedule, Tucker Wetmore is proving he's not just the next big thing—he’s already here.
