Reba McEntire Shares Sweet AMA Memory Involving Her Son Shelby Blackstock

During the 2024 American Music Awards (AMAs) 50th Anniversary Special on October 6, Reba McEntire shared a touching story about her son, Shelby Blackstock, in a heartfelt message. The event took place in Los Angeles, California, and featured a variety of performances and tributes.

In a pre-recorded video, the country music icon reminisced about cherished memories related to the AMAs, including a humorous incident involving her son Shelby. McEntire recounted, “One of the funniest things that happened at the AMAs one year is my son Shelby, who was about 12 years old, did not want to go to the show. He wanted to stay home (and) play his video games, and I talked him into going with us.” She continued, “We were right on the front row, and he was still a little disgruntled until Britney Spears came over and sat right beside him. And he was like, ‘oh, my gosh!'”

The AMAs, which celebrated their 50th anniversary this year, have been an important part of McEntire’s career, she noted, saying the awards show has meant “the world to me.” She also looked back fondly on her 1991 performance of “Fancy” on the AMA stage, describing it as a memory she holds “near and dear to my heart.”

The anniversary special featured performances by Garth Brooks, who paid tribute to the late music legend George Jones, and Carrie Underwood, who honored a beloved country star. Attendees included renowned artists like Kane Brown and Brad Paisley. Brown performed a tribute to Alan Jackson and his hit “Miles on It,” while Paisley introduced his new single “Truck Still Works.”