Reba McEntire Tears Up on The Voice Honoring Late Stepson’s Cancer Battle

Country music legend Reba McEntire was moved to tears on live television. The emotional moment happened during NBC’s The Voice on Monday, October 27. McEntire was reacting to a contestant’s powerful performance. The song was a tribute to a family member’s fight with cancer.

The performance directly reminded McEntire of her own personal loss. Her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock, passed away from melanoma in August 2025. He was 48 years old. This real-life connection made the televised moment profoundly authentic for the coach and audience.

Contestant’s Song Choice Triggers Raw Emotional Response

Team Reba contestant Aubrey Nicole chose to sing Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” She dedicated the performance to her father, a cancer survivor. The song’s lyrics detail a partner’s support during a cancer journey. McEntire listened intently as Nicole sang.

Fellow coach Snoop Dogg admitted the song was new to him. He also said it brought tears to his eyes. He then handed a tissue to McEntire. According to NBC’s broadcast, Reba thanked him and composed herself. She then explained the song’s painful personal significance to her.

“I lost my oldest son because he did not win with cancer,” McEntire told the contestant and audience. She was referring to Brandon Blackstock, the son of her former husband and manager, Narvel Blackstock. McEntire praised Nicole for using music to remember and honor loved ones. The raw display showcased the human stories behind the competition.

Song Resonates Beyond the Reality TV Stage

The moment highlighted how art intersects with profound personal experience. Martina McBride’s song, released in 2011, has long been an anthem for those facing illness. Its use on a major competition show gave it renewed emotional weight. McEntire’s reaction underscored its powerful message of enduring love and support.

For viewers, it was a reminder of the coaches’ humanity beyond their celebrity. Such unscripted instances often resonate more deeply than the contest itself. The segment celebrated resilience while acknowledging grief. It connected a performer, a coach, and millions of viewers through a shared understanding of life’s difficult battles.

The moment on The Voice proved music’s unique power to heal and memorialize. Reba McEntire’s genuine reaction honored a personal tragedy with public grace. It transformed a television competition into a poignant tribute about family and loss.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who was Brandon Blackstock to Reba McEntire?

Brandon Blackstock was Reba McEntire’s former stepson. He was the son of her ex-husband and longtime manager, Narvel Blackstock. McEntire was a figure in his life from his childhood through adulthood.

What song made Reba McEntire cry on *The Voice*?

The song was “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” by Martina McBride. Contestant Aubrey Nicole performed it for her father, a cancer survivor. The lyrics about supporting a loved one with cancer triggered McEntire’s emotional response.

How did Snoop Dogg react during the performance?

Snoop Dogg said the song brought tears to his eyes, even though he didn’t know it. He noticed Reba McEntire becoming emotional. He then handed her a tissue to dry her tears.

What was the public reaction to this *The Voice* moment?

Viewers and fans shared the clip widely on social media. Many praised Reba McEntire for her vulnerability and honesty. The moment was highlighted as one of the most authentic in the show’s recent history.

Has Reba McEntire spoken about Brandon Blackstock before?

She has acknowledged him as part of her family in past interviews. However, this was her most direct and public comment about his passing since his death was reported by outlets like Reuters in August 2025.