One of the most touching and anticipated moments at any Grammy Awards ceremony is the annual “In Memoriam” segment—a quiet, reverent pause amid the night’s glamour to honor the artists, songwriters, producers, and music industry figures who passed away over the previous year. For the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, airing live on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy has announced that country icon Reba McEntire will lead this year’s tribute, joined by acclaimed singer-songwriters Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson.
The announcement, made on January 28, 2026, via the official Grammys social channels, immediately resonated with fans and industry observers alike. “Watch @reba lead a touching in memoriam tribute to musical icons, alongside @thebrandyclark and @lukasnelsonofficial,” the post read, accompanied by a photo of the trio. McEntire, 70, responded personally with gratitude and emotion, calling it “an honor” to share the stage with Clark and Nelson while paying respect to “the friends we lost along the way.”
This year’s “In Memoriam” carries extra weight given the notable losses in the music world throughout 2025. While the full list of honorees is traditionally revealed during the broadcast (and sometimes expanded in the days leading up), earlier announcements confirmed tributes to several major figures. Ms. Lauryn Hill will perform in honor of both D’Angelo (who passed in October 2025 at age 51) and Roberta Flack (who died in February 2025 at age 88). A separate special tribute to Ozzy Osbourne (who passed in July 2025 at age 76) will feature Post Malone, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, and Slash.
McEntire, Clark, and Nelson’s segment will focus on honoring “those we’ve recently lost in the creative community,” a broad phrasing that typically includes a montage of names accompanied by a live musical performance. The choice of three country-rooted artists for this portion underscores country music’s strong presence and influence at the 2026 Grammys, where the genre has seen significant nominations and visibility in recent years.
Reba McEntire needs little introduction. With a career spanning more than five decades, she is one of country music’s most enduring and beloved figures—known for her powerhouse vocals, acting career, and trailblazing role as a female artist in a historically male-dominated industry. Her ability to convey deep emotion has made her a natural fit for “In Memoriam” tributes in the past, and her selection this year feels especially fitting given her longstanding reputation for honoring peers with grace and sincerity.
Brandy Clark, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and multiple Grammy nominee, brings her own depth to the performance. Known for her introspective lyrics and masterful storytelling, Clark has long been respected as one of Nashville’s most gifted writers and interpreters. Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson and frontman of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, adds a younger, roots-rock perspective. His soulful voice and guitar work have earned him acclaim both as a solo artist and as a collaborator with artists ranging from Neil Young to Margo Price. Together, the trio represents a cross-generational bridge in country and roots music—McEntire as the veteran legend, Clark as the acclaimed peer, and Nelson as the rising torchbearer.
The choice of these three artists also reflects the Recording Academy’s ongoing effort to highlight country music’s vitality on the global stage. In recent years, the Grammys have faced criticism for under-representing country artists in major categories, but the 2026 nominations and performances show a continued push toward inclusivity across genres. Having McEntire lead the “In Memoriam” segment—especially alongside two respected younger voices—serves as both a tribute to those lost and a celebration of country’s living legacy.
The 2026 Grammys, hosted by Trevor Noah for what has been announced as his final year, will feature a diverse slate of performers and presenters, including Lady Gaga, ROSÉ, Tyler, The Creator, and more. The night will also include special tributes beyond “In Memoriam,” such as Lauryn Hill honoring D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, and the all-star Ozzy Osbourne tribute. But the segment led by Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson is expected to be one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the evening.
“In Memoriam” segments at the Grammys are traditionally understated yet powerful—often featuring a montage of photographs and film clips accompanied by a live performance that captures the spirit of the artists being remembered. The music chosen tends to be reflective, poignant, and universal, allowing the audience at home and in the arena to pause and reflect amid the night’s celebration. Past tributes have included unforgettable performances like Jennifer Hudson’s soaring rendition of “Amazing Grace” or Adele’s emotional tribute to George Michael. This year’s lineup promises similar gravitas, with three distinct vocal styles blending to honor lives and legacies that shaped music.
As the February 1 broadcast approaches, anticipation is building. Fans of Reba McEntire have already flooded social media with praise and memories, sharing clips of her past Grammy moments and expressing gratitude for her continued presence in the industry. Many are speculating on which artists might be featured in the tribute and what song the trio might perform. Whether it’s a medley, a new arrangement, or a classic country hymn, the performance is certain to be one of the night’s most moving highlights.
At a time when the music industry continues to mourn and celebrate its icons, the 2026 Grammys “In Memoriam” segment—led by Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson—stands as a reminder of the power of music to connect generations, heal wounds, and keep memories alive. It will be a moment of stillness amid the celebration, a heartfelt acknowledgment of those who are no longer here, and a promise that their contributions will never be forgotten.
