Reba McEntire’s 2026 Grammys memoriam performance was especially emotional as she paid tribute to late stepson Brandon Blackstock and other music industry notables. Reba performed with Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson for the rendition of “Trailblazer,” delivering a touching ballad that many fans said was the best performance of the night. Reba was married to Brandon’s father Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015. Brandon, who was Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, had a close relationship with Reba.
Reba previously paid tribute to him on her Facebook page, calling him her “stepson/oldest son” and saying “There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together.” The highlight of the performance was Reba’s poignant lead vocals, and her gorgeous harmonies with Brandy and Lukas. The Music Man has to say the Grammys couldn’t have made a better choice in singer to deliver this touching tribute.
Reba performed the Grammys In Memoriam segment on February 1, 2026. Brandon, who was a talent manager and producer, appears on the screen at the one-minute mark. The tribute hit the mark for viewers, who added comments such as “The best performance of the entire night. Love you Reba, Brandy and Lukas” and “‘Trailblazer’ was an amazing tribute song to those who passed away.”
Reba can always be relied upon to pull on the heartstrings when it comes to performing a ballad. One of her highlights during her time as a coach on The Voice was her rendition of the breakup anthem “Consider Me Gone.” Fans said that Reba, who was 69 at the time of the performance, just keeps on getting better and better with time. The Music Man certainly has to agree there!
Brandon Blackstock was a talent agent who hailed from Fort Worth, Texas. He died on August 7, 2025, at 48 years old after a battle with skin cancer. Brandon’s clients as a talent manager included Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton. He was also the executive producer of The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Brandon was married to Kelly from 2013 to 2022. He is survived by his four children. He had his two youngest children, River Rose Blackstock (born 2014) and Remington “Remy” Alexander Blackstock (born 2016), with Kelly.
On February 3, 2026, Kelly announced that she was ending The Kelly Clarkson Show, explaining that “Stepping away from the daily schedule will allow me to prioritize my kids, which feels necessary and right for this next chapter of our lives.” This follows on from her July 2025 decision to cancel her planned Las Vegas residency 90 minutes before she was due to take the stage. Kelly cited the need to be with her children due to Brandon’s battle with his illness as the reason for the residency cancellation.