UK 'great place' for country music - Tucker Wetmore

US country singer Tucker Wetmore has said the rest of the world is "catching up" with how great the genre is, on his first full headline tour outside America.

Ahead of a show in Birmingham, he told BBC News he did not know what to expect from British audiences but had been overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.

"I have played a lot of shows, been a lot of places and done so much already, and it is crazy to see that it is still growing."

The 26-year-old grew up in Washington state and started focusing on a country music career after a broken leg ended his American football career.

Wetmore moved to Nashville aged 20 and his debut album What Not To was released exactly a year ago.

"One year since its release and with everything I have done it feels like 10," he said.

He has previously toured the US with country singers Thomas Rhett and Luke Bryan, as well as Australia with Jordan Davis.

But this is his first headline tour.

"It's so fun to see the crowd's faces light up every night and how excited the people are to see me walk up on stage."

He said the reaction reflects the growing appetite for country music in the UK.

"I feel like it is growing so much and it's exploding here," he said.

"It was so predominantly Americanised for the longest time and I feel like it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world caught up."

Asked why the genre was becoming so popular, he said: "I think country had this truth and this authenticity behind it, it is real life stories, it's real life circumstances, I think people are relating to that."

Wetmore admitted the sudden recognition from fans screaming his name to dressing up as him could feel strange.

"It is different and at times it is weird and I will probably never get used to it," Wetmore said.

"I'm still just a kid who loves music."

He has multiple award nominations behind him, including a 2026 Academy of Country Music award nomination for New Male Artist of the Year.

So what is next for the 26-year-old?

He is working on his second album which he said blended influencea from the 60s, 70s and 80s with modern hits.

"It's different and it's cool and I am very excited about it - and kind of nervous," he admitted.

"It is turning into this new thing that I really have not heard yet, overall it's new and different."

With London shows next, Wetmore said UK crowds have left a lasting impression, even if his sightseeing has been limited.

"I haven't really had much time to go out and explore foods or different places but you all say 'cheeky' a lot and I like that word, that is fun."