Filed under: Music, Television, News, Awards
This year's Soul Train Awards was a star-studded affair celebrating the latest and greatest in black music.
Hosted by Academy Award nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, the show was taped at the Cobb Energy Center on Nov. 10 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The returning hosts hammed it up onstage again this year, with a rousing dance off to hot hip-hop tinged anthems such as 'Hot Toddy' and 'Whip My Hair;' "Stanky Leg' and 'Rude Boy;' and 'How Low Can You Go.'
Other highlights from this year's show included an opening number by the one and only R.Kelly, followed by musical performances by Erykah Badu, Ne-Yo, Bruno Mars, Janelle Monae and Cee-Lo Green.
R&B diva Anita Baker accepted her Legend Award after a tribute from female vocalists Chrisette Michele, Faith Evans, Tamia, Rachelle Ferrell, Lalah Hathaway and Dionne Farris -who performed a medley of her hits from 'Caught up in the Rapture' to 'Giving You the Best That I Got.' King of Comedy and Steve Harvey presented Ron Isley with the second Legend Award for the night. R&B crooners Keyshia Cole, Bilal, Tank, El DeBarge, Eric Benét, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne and Freddy Jackson serenaded the icon with a medley of his greatest hits.
After his acceptance speech, Isley, who was recently released from prison, took to the stage to perform his own take on his sultry songs 'Between the Sheets' and 'What I Missed the Most.' He later collaborated with chanteuse Chanté Moore and R. Kelly for his throwback hit, 'Contagious.'
Other notables who came out for the festivities are Elise Neal, Jazmine Sullivan, Bevy Smith, Dwele, Raven-Symoné, June Ambrose, SWV, Tyler Perry, Prophetess Juanita Bynum, Michael Baisden, Goapelle, Fonzworth Bentley, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Just Blaze, Kid Capri, Chilli, Kim Fields, Tom Joyner, Kem, Biz Markie, Ne-Yo, Keisha Knight Pulliam, Lamman Rucker, Fatima Robinson, Misa Hilton Brim, Giunuwine, Sean Garrett, Jazze Pha, Sole, India.Arie, Ray Lavender, and more. CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer, a longtime fan of Soul Train, took to the stage with Doug E. Fresh to do the "Dougie" dance and later accepted an award on behalf of Eminem, who did not bother showing up to the event.
A complete list of winners for the 2010 Soul Train Awards are listed below.
o. Best New Artist - Melanie Fiona
o. Best Female R&B Soul Artist - Alicia Keys (absent)
o. Song of the Year - 'Nothing on You' by B.o.B. feat Bruno Mars
o. Best Hip Hop Song of the Year - 'Love the Way You Lie' by Eminem featuring Rihanna (absent)
o. Best Male R&B Soul Artist - Trey Songz and Usher (tie) (absent)
o. Album of the Year - Usher Raymond, Raymond vs. Raymond
o. Record of the Year (songwriter award) - Alicia Keys, 'Unthinkable (I'm Ready),' songwriters: Alicia Keys, Aubrey Graham, Brothers, Noah "40" Shebib
o. Best Reggae Artist Award - Gyptian
o. Centric Award - Janelle Monae
o. Best Gospel Performance Male Female or Group - Marvin Sapp
o. Best Dance Performance - Ciara, 'Ride' (absent)