It was a night of bittersweet emotions at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards as music legend Reba McEntire took to the stage for the first time in her long and acclaimed career — not to perform a hit song, but to deliver a deeply personal tribute to her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock, and other music industry figures who died over the past year.

Blackstock, a well-known talent manager and the son of Reba’s former husband Narvel Blackstock, passed away in August 2025 after a multi-year battle with cancer. He was 48. Long a figure in the music world and connected to multiple prominent artists through his work, his death was mourned by friends, family, and colleagues alike. At the Grammy Awards’ In Memoriam segment, his name appeared alongside legends and industry icons, marking a memorable and emotional moment for those watching the broadcast.

Reba McEntire’s performance was not just a tribute to the musicians and industry figures lost in the past year, but a deeply personal acknowledgment of her connection to Blackstock. Ahead of the performance, she shared that it would be a particularly meaningful moment for her. “It really is special to me, because my son is one that we’re honoring,” she told reporters on the red carpet, visibly emotional as she spoke about the tribute and her stepson’s inclusion.

The In Memoriam section, a solemn tradition within the Grammy Awards that honors musicians, songwriters, producers, and other industry professionals who passed away in the previous year, has become one of the ceremony’s most poignant moments. This year’s segment featured a range of musical icons, from veteran performers to industry talents whose contributions shaped the music landscape, including Ozzy Osbourne, D’Angelo, Roberta Flack, Raul Malo, Brett James, and Ace Frehley.

McEntire took the stage with fellow performers Grammy winners Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson. Together, they delivered a reimagined rendition of “Trailblazer,” renamed for the tribute as “Trailblazer (Dream Chaser Version),” a song that blended their voices to honor those being remembered. The performance unfolded over a montage of photographs and names of the departed, including Blackstock’s, whose image appeared on the large screen behind them as the song progressed.

“I’ve got a lot of friends on that screen tonight,” McEntire said before taking the stage. “My oldest son, Brandon Blackstock, is also up there. He passed in August, so this is going to be a very emotional song to sing.” She acknowledged that the moment was deeply personal for her, even after decades in the music business. “This is going to be my favorite memory,” she added.

The performance marked a milestone in McEntire’s career at the Grammy Awards. Despite a decorated history with the Grammys — including multiple wins and nominations — this was her first time performing live during the show itself. That alone made the moment noteworthy, but the fact that it also served as a tribute to her late stepson added profound emotional weight.

Brandon Blackstock’s inclusion in the In Memoriam segment resonated not only because of his contributions to the music industry, but also due to the close relationship he maintained with McEntire even after her divorce from his father in 2015. Throughout his life and career, McEntire often spoke of Blackstock with affection and pride, considering him a son and continuing her bond with him long after their family structure changed.

Blackstock himself had a varied and respected career in entertainment, working as a manager and producer. He was married to singer Kelly Clarkson for seven years, with whom he shared two children — and the news of his passing in August 2025 was met with an outpouring of love and remembrance from friends, family, and fans alike.

The Grammy Awards’ In Memoriam tribute is a moment of reflection for the broader music community, highlighting the contributions of talents across genres and generations. This year’s segment recognized not only household names and industry legends, but also figures like Blackstock whose impact was felt widely even if their names were not always front-page headlines. Musicians, producers, and industry professionals all passed through that reflective montage, reminding viewers of both the fragility of life and the enduring legacy left behind through music.

Social media responses to McEntire’s tribute performance were swift and heartfelt, with fans praising her emotional delivery and the significance of the moment. Many viewers expressed admiration for her vulnerability and strength in performing under such personal circumstances, noting that the tribute brought a powerful human element to the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Grammy Awards continued to honor achievements in music across genres, with electrifying performances and standout appearances throughout the night. Yet for many, the In Memoriam moment — especially McEntire’s heartfelt dedication — stood out as one of the evening’s most moving segments. It served as a reminder not just of those the music world lost, but also of the connections that endure through love, memory, and shared artistic expression.

As the music community collectively remembers those who have passed, moments like McEntire’s tribute underscore the power of performance to heal and celebrate life even in the midst of loss. For Reba McEntire, rising to the Grammy stage in tribute to her stepson was a blend of personal grief, professional respect, and enduring love — a testament to the ways music can honor both past and present.