Reba McEntire Tears Up Over Stepson Brandon's Death

On the Oct. 27 episode of The Voice (Season 28) Reba McEntire, 70, became emotional during the Knockouts when Team Reba contestant Aubrey Nicole sang Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” a ballad about supporting someone through cancer; Nicole dedicated the song to her father, a cancer survivor, and judges including Snoop Dogg were visibly moved, with Snoop handing McEntire tissues. McEntire said the performance hit home because her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, died Aug. 7 at 48 after a private battle with melanoma and called him her “oldest son.” She praised Nicole’s delivery, awarded her the knockout win, and credited coaching (including advice from Joe Walsh) for helping the contestant manage the emotional moment. McEntire had posted an Instagram tribute saying his “legacy and laughter will be carried on,” and family members publicly shared their grief. The exchange highlighted how personal stories and song choices on The Voice continue to elicit strong reactions from coaches and audiences.