Country music icon Reba McEntire delivered a profoundly moving performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday evening, leaving viewers and the star-studded audience at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena visibly emotional. The legendary singer made her debut performance at the prestigious ceremony specifically to honour her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away in August following a three-year battle with melanoma.
A Heartfelt Tribute During the In Memoriam Segment
Accompanied by a live band, the 70-year-old McEntire performed her Grammy-nominated single Trailblazer during the show's poignant In Memoriam segment. As she sang, a large screen displayed images of Brandon Blackstock, creating a powerful visual tribute to the music manager and television producer. Earlier in the evening, McEntire had confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that she would perform her 2025 single at the ceremony as a celebration of her stepson's life, stating: 'My son Brandon Blackstock – we let him go to heaven in August so we're gonna be celebrating him.'
The Tragic Loss of Brandon Blackstock
Brandon Blackstock, who was 48 at the time of his passing, was best known as the former husband of American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and as a prominent figure in the music industry. A family statement released on August 7 confirmed his death, noting that he had 'bravely battled cancer for more than three years' and passed away peacefully surrounded by family. The statement requested privacy during what they described as 'this very difficult time.'
Blackstock's relationship with Clarkson began in 2012, with the couple marrying the following year in Tennessee. Their union produced two children – daughter River, now 11, and son Remington, aged nine – before they filed for divorce in 2020. Although their divorce was finalised in 2022, the former couple continued legal battles regarding business commissions, with the California Labor Commissioner ultimately ruling in Clarkson's favour regarding management arrangements.
Grammy Night Highlights Beyond the Emotional Tribute
While McEntire's performance provided the evening's most emotional moment, the 2026 Grammy Awards featured numerous significant wins and political statements. Bad Bunny emerged as a major winner, taking home three awards including the top honour of Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The Puerto Rican artist used his acceptance speech to make a strong statement against the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, reflecting broader political sentiments expressed throughout the evening.
Notable Winners and Record Breakers
The ceremony saw several artists achieving career milestones and breaking records. Kendrick Lamar, who entered the evening with nine nominations, ultimately won five awards, bringing his total Grammy count to 27 and making him the most awarded rapper in the show's history – surpassing Jay-Z's previous record. Billie Eilish took home Song of the Year for WILDFLOWER, while Olivia Dean won the coveted Best New Artist award.
Other significant winners included Lady Gaga, who added three more Grammys to her collection, and Jelly Roll, who proudly accepted the award for Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken. The evening also featured numerous artists wearing 'ICE out' pins in protest against the immigration enforcement agency, following recent controversial incidents involving the organisation.
McEntire's tribute performance, set against the backdrop of these major musical achievements and political statements, created a memorable Grammy evening that balanced celebration with heartfelt remembrance, demonstrating the power of music to honour both artistic achievement and personal loss.
