• Reba McEntire revealed her late stepson Brandon Blackstock will be represented onstage during the 2026 Grammys In Memoriam tribute.
  • Reba will perform “Trailblazer” with Brandy Clark, Lukas Nelson and two string players in the tribute.
  • Brandy Clark arranged a new version of the song; Reba called the moment one of her most meaningful Grammy memories.

H2: Reba to honor Brandon Blackstock during Grammys In Memoriam

Reba McEntire told E! News on the Grammys red carpet that her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock, will be honored and visually represented onstage during the 2026 Grammy Awards In Memoriam tribute. Reba grew emotional as she described the moment and called it “very special.”

Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and the son of Narvel Blackstock (who was married to Reba for more than 20 years), died in August. Reba said she considers Narvel’s children—Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna—her own and has long claimed them as family.

H3: The In Memoriam performance — who’s involved

The tribute will feature Reba performing the song “Trailblazer” alongside singer-songwriter Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson. Two musicians on cello and violin will join the trio, and Reba said Brandon’s memory will be present with them onstage.

Reba praised Brandy Clark for arranging a new, heart-filled version of “Trailblazer,” a song Reba originally released with Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert. Brandy told reporters she was honored to rearrange the piece for the tribute and called the collaboration with Reba and Lukas meaningful, especially given the artists being remembered.

H4: Why the moment matters to Reba

At 70, Reba is already a three-time Grammy winner with 18 nominations, but she said this In Memoriam performance will likely become one of her favorite and most personal Grammy memories. The ceremony will pay tribute to artists and music-industry figures who passed away over the last year, and Reba’s inclusion of Brandon in the tribute underscores her family connection to the industry beyond her own career.

H5: Family, music and lasting tribute

Reba’s relationship with Narvel Blackstock’s children began after their blended family formed in the late 1980s. Even after Reba and Narvel divorced in 2015, she has continued to call the siblings her own. This public tribute at the Grammys gives Reba a prominent stage to honor Brandon’s life and work in music, and a chance for viewers and colleagues to recognize his contributions.

Reba’s emotional remarks on the red carpet emphasized the personal nature of this year’s In Memoriam segment. With Brandy Clark’s arrangement and the collaboration of Lukas Nelson and string players, the performance aims to be both a musical tribute and a deeply felt family remembrance.

Image Referance: https://www.eonline.com/news/1428029/grammys-2026-reba-mcentire-on-brandon-blackston-in-memoriam