Reba McEntire's Heartfelt Tribute to Stepson Brandon Blackstock on The Voice

Country music legend Reba McEntire got visibly emotional during a recent episode of "The Voice," opening up about the profound grief of losing her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, to cancer earlier this year.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on Reba's Emotional Moment

Reba McEntire became tearful on "The Voice" during Aubrey Nicole's performance of Martina McBride's "I'm Gonna Love You Through It," a song about battling cancer.
The country icon revealed this was due to the recent passing of her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, who died from melanoma in August 2025 at age 48.
McEntire used the moment to highlight the importance of remembering and loving those we've lost, choosing Aubrey to advance in the competition.

A Poignant Performance That Struck a Deep Chord with Reba McEntire

Talk about a moment that just stops you in your tracks. On a recent Monday night episode of "The Voice" (specifically, the Knockout Rounds on October 27, 2025), Team Reba contestant Aubrey Nicole delivered a performance that hit right at the heartstrings of her coach, Reba Mcentire, and honestly, probably everyone watching at home too. Aubrey sang Martina McBride's incredibly moving song, "I'm Gonna Love You Through It."

This isn't just any country ballad. It's a powerful anthem about supporting a loved one through a cancer diagnosis, with lyrics that truly resonate: "When you're weak, I'll be strong / When you let go, I'll hold on / When you need to cry, I swear that / I'll be there to dry your eyes." Aubrey dedicated her performance to her own father, who bravely battled cancer and is thankfully now in remission. But the song's message carried an even deeper, more personal weight for Reba.

Reba McEntire Opens Up About Her Profound Loss

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As Aubrey finished her stunning rendition, the coaches were clearly moved. Even Snoop Dogg, who admitted he wasn't familiar with the song, felt its power. But it was Reba who was visibly struggling to hold back tears. Her fellow coach, seeing her emotion, kindly handed her a tissue. That's when Reba shared what was truly on her heart, making a public acknowledgment of a private grief that had deeply affected her.

"I do know this song. Martina's — I'll need it, thank you, Snoop. Martina's a good friend of mine. I lost my oldest son because he did not win with cancer. That was a real reminder that life goes on, and we sing songs about it so we can remember the ones around us that we love so much, that we lean on at times like this. You did a great job."

— Reba McEntire on "The Voice"

This was the first time Reba had spoken about this heartbreaking loss directly on the show, and her vulnerability instantly connected with viewers. Her "oldest son" she referred to was her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, who tragically passed away just a couple of months prior.

Remembering Brandon Blackstock: A Son, Father, and Talent Manager

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Brandon Blackstock, who was 48, died on August 7, 2025, after a private and courageous battle with melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana, while under hospice care and surrounded by his family. His passing left a significant void, not just for Reba, but for many others in the entertainment world and, most importantly, for his children.

Reba's Unbreakable Bond with Her Stepson

Reba McEntire was married to Brandon's father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. Though they divorced, Reba always considered Brandon and his siblings her own. "My relationship with my stepson Brandon Blackstock was precious," she shared in an interview in October 2025. "I absolutely loved that child. He came into my life, I guess he was 4 years old? And then when Narvel and I got married, he was 13, 14, something like that? And along with his mom and dad, I helped raise him, along with [his sisters] Shawna and Chassidy. They were my kids."

She often fondly recalled his mischievous nature and love for life. "He loved to scare people," she remembered, describing how Brandon would hide behind pillars at the office to prank employees. "Brandon is sorely missed, truly missed. With his mischievousness and his love of life, he brought joy to everybody that met him and we'll never forget him."

Brandon Blackstock's Life and Family Legacy

Beyond his connection to Reba, Brandon was a well-known talent manager in his own right. He famously managed the careers of his ex-wife, superstar Kelly Clarkson, and country powerhouse Blake Shelton. His professional success was undeniable, with Clarkson herself praising his unique talent for management.

First Marriage: Brandon was married to Melissa Ashworth from 2001 to 2012, and they had two children:
- Daughter Savannah (in her 20s)
- Son Seth (18)
Second Marriage: He was married to Kelly Clarkson from 2013 until their separation in 2020. They shared two young children:
- Daughter River Rose (11)
- Son Remington Alexander (9)

Even after his contentious divorce from Kelly Clarkson, she prioritized his time with their children, and even canceled Las Vegas residency concerts and stepped away from her talk show to support him during his final days. This speaks volumes about the respect and love that remained despite their past difficulties.

A Timely Reminder and a Significant Win on "The Voice"

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Reba's emotional moment on "The Voice" wasn't just a personal revelation; it became a poignant reminder for everyone. It underscored that while the show is a competition, it's also a place where human stories and universal experiences like love and loss are shared. She emphasized that singing songs about difficult times helps us remember those we love and rely on. Her transparency resonated deeply, showcasing the authentic and compassionate side of the country legend.

Ultimately, Reba awarded Aubrey Nicole the win for that Knockout round, sending her to the Playoffs. It was a well-deserved victory for Aubrey, not just for her vocal talent, but for delivering a message that touched her coach so profoundly. This Season 28 also introduced a "Mic Drop" twist, where coaches select one team member for a special designation, and fans vote for an artist to appear in the Rose Parade on New Year's Day.

This powerful episode served as a testament to the enduring human spirit, the healing power of music, and the loving bonds that connect us, even in grief. Reba McEntire's willingness to share her pain turned a television competition into a moment of collective empathy and remembrance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reba McEntire and Brandon Blackstock

When did Reba McEntire's stepson, Brandon Blackstock, pass away? Brandon Blackstock passed away on August 7, 2025. How was Brandon Blackstock related to Reba McEntire? Brandon Blackstock was Reba McEntire's stepson. Reba was married to his father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015, and she helped raise Brandon along with his siblings. What was Brandon Blackstock's cause of death? Brandon Blackstock died after a private battle with melanoma, a form of skin cancer. What song made Reba McEntire emotional on "The Voice"? Reba McEntire became emotional during Aubrey Nicole's performance of Martina McBride's song "I'm Gonna Love You Through It," which is about supporting a loved one through cancer.