How Brandon Blackstock Will Be Part of Reba McEntire’s In Memoriam

Reba McEntire will always hold Brandon Blackstock close.

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, a performance of “Trailblazer” will honor the memory of a recently deceased talent manager. Reba McEntire, along with Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson, will perform the song as part of the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment. The talent manager’s father, Narvel Blackstock, was married to Reba for over 20 years.

Reba shared with TopMob News’ Zuri Hall that this event is particularly meaningful because it honors her son, who passed away in August. She explained that her son Brandon will be represented on stage alongside Brandy, Lukas, and the musicians, making the performance deeply emotional and special.

Even though she’s already won three Grammys from 18 nominations – each one a cherished moment – the 70-year-old performer said she believes her upcoming performance will be the most memorable yet.

When Reba and Narvel Blackstock married in 1989, she embraced his children – Chassidy, Shawna, and Brandon – as her own, and continued to be a part of their lives even after their divorce in 2015.

Back in 2010, Reba—who was engaged to Rex Linn at the time—told The Boot that she considers Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna her own children, not stepchildren. She stated she considers them all her kids.

Brandy was thrilled to have co-written the original version of “Trailblazer” with Reba, a song intended to celebrate the women who paved the way in country music. But she was even more moved when she got the chance to rework the song for the Grammy performance.

“It means a lot to me,” the 50-year-old said. “Sadly, I know some of those people that are being honored tonight, and to do this with Reba and Lukas—it’s just such an honor.”

For a look at all the artists who will be in the audience for the special performance, read on.

I was so moved by the In Memoriam performance, and I’m especially thankful to Brandy! She really made it special by arranging this new version of “Trailblazer.” It’s amazing to hear a fresh take on a song Reba originally recorded with Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert – Brandy’s arrangement truly honored everyone involved.

Reba said the song was very touching, and complimented Brandy on the heartfelt way she’d reimagined it.

Brandy was proud to have co-written the original version of “Trailblazer,” which Reba explained was a tribute to the women who paved the way in country music. But she was even more moved to be asked to rework the song for the Grammy performance.

I’m deeply touched,” the 50-year-old shared. “It’s bittersweet because I knew some of the people being celebrated tonight, but getting to do this alongside Reba and Lukas is a real privilege.”

For a look at all the artists who will be in the audience for the special performance, read on.