During the inaugural episode of the Knockouts on Season 28 of The Voice, emotional moments unfolded as Aubrey Nicole, an artist from Team Reba, delivered a heartfelt rendition of Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” The poignant choice of song was a tribute to her father, who battled cancer shortly after she left for college. Fortunately, he is now in remission. Coach Snoop Dogg expressed his admiration for the performance, stating that the emotional weight was evident, even though he was unfamiliar with both Aubrey’s story and the song itself.
Coach Reba McEntire, known for her own deep connections to the song, was particularly touched. As Snoop handed her a tissue to wipe away her tears, McEntire shared her personal heartache. “I lost my oldest son because he did not win with cancer,” she revealed, referencing her stepson Brandon Blackstock, who passed away in August 2025 after a lengthy battle with melanoma.
Reflecting on the poignant themes of life and memory, McEntire told Aubrey, “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.” In recognition of her heartfelt performance, McEntire awarded Aubrey the win in that Knockout round.
McEntire’s connection to Brandon Blackstock, who was the son of her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock, runs deep. She fondly reminisced about her years with him and expressed her enduring love for her stepson, stating, “Brandon is sorely missed, truly missed.”
In a bittersweet culmination of memories and tributes, the episode highlighted the theme of love and resilience in the face of life’s challenges, reminding viewers of the healing power of music and the close-knit bonds of family. As Reba McEntire noted, the performances serve not only to entertain but also to honor and reflect on the lives of those we cherish. This emotional episode of The Voice was a testament to both the artistry of its contestants and the personal stories they carry with them.