Country superstar Reba McEntire’s first-ever Grammys performance came with a very personal moment for her and her family. During the awards show on February 1, 2026, “The Voice” coach led the “In Memoriam” segment by singing her hit song “Trailblazer,” honoring those in the music industry who died over the last year including her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock, whose photo was included on the large screens behind her.
McEntire was tasked with leading the tribute alongside fellow country artists Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson to honor music industry creatives who’ve died. In addition, Lauryn Hill led a star-studded tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, Bruce Springsteen narrated a tribute to the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, John Mayer honored Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir, and a special memorial to Ozzy Osbourne was planned with Post Malone, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, and Slash.
Reba McEntire Said Ahead of Grammys That Honoring Brandon Blackstock Would Be Her ‘Favorite Memory’ From the Night
On the red carpet before the Grammys, McEntire told Entertainment Tonight that her first time performing at the awards show would be very meaningful, explaining, “It’s really special because it’s in memoriam and so, I’ve got a lot of friends up on that big screen and my son — Brandon Blackstock. We let him go to heaven in August and so we’re going to be celebrating him tonight also.”
When asked how Blackstock’s ex-wife Kelly Clarkson and their two kids have been doing, McEntire said, “Everybody’s hanging in there. We miss Brandon so much. He was so much life, joy, love. He was a prankster and a character, and we all have a big text chain that we stay together and talk about him and remember him and they’re all excited about tonight also.”
GettyMcEntire also told E! News on the red carpet, “Brandon is going to be up on the stage with Brandy, and me, and Lukas, and the two ladies playing the cello and the violin, so it’s going to be very special.”
Although McEntire has won three Grammys and was nominated for another in 2026, she told the outlet of all her Grammy memories, “This is going to be my favorite memory.”
Immediately after their performance, the “Dream Chaser Version” of “Trailblazer,” as sung by McEntire, Nelson, and Clark, was released as a single.
What Happened to Reba McEntire’s Stepson?
GettyMcEntire’s family faced a devastating loss when Blackstock died in early August, following a three-year battle with melanoma. Blackstock was part of the music industry for many years before turning his attention to ranching.
Following in the footsteps of his dad, Narvel Blackstock — a legendary talent manager and McEntire’s husband from 1989 to 2015 — Brandon managed his Clarkson’s career for many years. Brandon was just a preschooler when McEntire met her future husband, with whom she shares biological son Shelby Blackstock.
But in 2010, she told The Boot that she considered herself a bonus parent to his three kids, noting, “I don’t consider Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna stepchildren, I claim them all.”
Reba McEntire Was Nominated for a Grammy With Miranda Lambert & Lainey Wilson
GettyMcEntire attended the Grammys with her fiancé, actor Rex Linn, who co-stars with her on NBC’s “Happy’s Place.” The couple was seated at the very front of the stage, seen on camera multiple times throughout the night. Linn and McEntire got engaged in December 2024, but didn’t reveal the news until September, on the red carpet at the Emmys.
In addition to performing the Grammys tribute, McEntire was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance category with Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert for their song “Trailblazer.” They didn’t take home the award though; it went to Shaboozey and Jelly Roll for their duet on “Amen.”
During the evening, McEntire posted an epic photo taken with some of the biggest stars at the Grammys. Captioning the photo “Your playlist in one photo,” she posed with an amazing lineup of music stars (from left to right): Lukas Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Noah Kahan, Jelly Roll, Shabozey, Kelsea Ballerini, Zach Top, Brandy Clark, and Lainey Wilson.
McEntire has been nominated for 18 Grammys during her 50-year career and won the following Grammys: 1987’s Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Whoever’s in New England,” 1994’s Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Does He Love You” with Linda Davis, and 2018’s Best Roots Gospel Album for “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope.”
