Reba McEntire took the Grammy stage on February 1st with a breathtaking performance of “Trailblazer (Dream Chaser Version)”, her first time performing at the ceremony. The special rendition – released via MCA – featured Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandy Clark, who rewrote the track and co-produced it with McEntire, and Grammy-winning artist Lukas Nelson. The multi-generational collaboration honored the legacy of recently lost members of the creative community. McEntire told Entertainment Tonight before the show, “I got a lot of friends up there on that big screen. My son, Brandon Blackstock, we let him go to heaven in August, and so we’re gonna be celebrating him tonight also. We’ll miss ’em, and we’re hopin’ to be with ’em again someday soon.”
The stripped-down acoustic performance showcased McEntire’s signature vocal power alongside Clark and Nelson, blending classic country with contemporary edge. Originally penned by Clark, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson, and produced by McEntire alongside Tony Brown, “Trailblazer” has earned McEntire her 18th career Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. The moment demonstrated why McEntire remains one of country music’s most enduring voices, capable of delivering performances that connect emotionally while honoring those who shaped the creative community.