By Michael Rietmulder, The Seattle Times

SEATTLE — It was a well-earned off day for Tucker Wetmore. Two nights earlier, the burgeoning country star had opened for Thomas Rhett in Savannah, Georgia, and with 12 more days before the tour was set to resume in Wetmore’s home state of Washington, he stuck around the coastal southeastern town for a few days to unwind.

The 25-year-old singer and songwriter, who’s been making waves in the country world since the top of 2024, was loading up a boat for a September day on the water when he received some news that would undoubtedly make that ocean breeze feel a little sweeter. Wetmore was nominated for new artist of the year at the CMA Awards, his first nod at country music’s premier awards show, broadcasting live Nov. 19 on ABC.

“Pretty crazy, isn

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