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Reba McEntire Leads Grammys In Memoriam, Dedicates Performance to Stepson Brandon Blackstock

McEntire turned the televised tribute into a personal remembrance for stepson Brandon Blackstock.

Overview

  • The country star opened the segment with Trailblazer alongside Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson as Blackstock's image appeared on the screen.
  • On the red carpet, she called the moment "very special," saying Brandon would be "up on the stage" with the performers and that it would be her favorite Grammys memory.
  • She said Kelly Clarkson and her children, River and Remy, are "hanging in there," noting the family keeps a group text to share stories about Brandon.
  • Blackstock died on Aug. 7, 2025, after more than three years battling malignant melanoma, with seizures listed as contributing on his death certificate.
  • The tribute marked McEntire's first Grammys performance; she attended with fiancĂ© Rex Linn and was nominated for Trailblazer with Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson.