On Sunday, November 29, 2020, for the third year in a row, actresses Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold, most notable from the 90s tv cult classic hit Martin, hosted the Soul Train Awards. And this year’s event was a success all across the board. From the night’s dazzling performances to the honoring of a musical legend, the 2020 Soul Train Awards operated in the vein of showcasing its relevance and soul to households and streamers across the world. Given the current health crisis, pandemic, and all that has slammed us mentally, spiritually, and emotionally during 2020, the Soul Train Awards was noticeably more socially distanced and intimate than previous broadcasts. However, as they say in show business, the show must go on, and that it did. 

Before the ceremony, the Pre-Show titled “Soul-Coming,” an ode to the traditional Homecoming Seasons observed by colleges and universities, omitted this year due to the pandemic aired for one hour. Husband and Wife entertainment duo Flex Alexander and singer-songwriter Shanice hosted the special featuring Soul Challenges, the Soul Train Dances Tribute, and a few nominees and winner announcements. Notable moments from the special included Zoom calls with singers Deborah Cox and Jazmine Sullivan video chatting with winners from the Soul Challenge. Social media and viral internet personality Alexis Fletcher, a.k.a. Yung BBQ (which stands for Beautiful Black Queen), danced and recreated famous dances throughout the Soul Train franchise decades. 

At the top of the ceremony, songwriter, actress, and Grammy award-winning singer Brandy accepted the first award of the night (during the broadcast), the Soul Train Certified Award, and performed two songs from her latest project titled B7. Say Something, which was noted as a fan favorite, began the set before she ended with the highly melodic and soulful Borderline, her current single. 

After her performance, singer Ella Mai performed her newest single, Not Another Love Song. Jazmine Sullivan wowed the crowd performing her hits Lost Ones’ and Pick Up Your Feelings. Other notable performances from the night included Lucky Daye and Babyface, Charlie Wilson and Smokey Robinson, CeeLo, and Snoh Aalegra. The show also featured Soul Train Amplified performances from Moses Sumney and Ella Nicole. During the broadcast, the only soul Cypher featured singers Shanice, PJ Morton, Chante Moore, and Stokley freestyle singing to the tune of All of My Life by Erykah Badu. 

Closing out the awards ceremony was the honoring of Grammy award-winning singer Monica, who was honored with the 2020 Lady of Soul Award. Singer H.E.R. introduced and presented her with the award. After a beautiful acceptance speech, Monica performed a medley of some of her greatest hits from Don’t Take it Personal to her latest hit single, Trenches. Overall, the 2020 Soul Train Awards was a dazzling success that delivered love, peace, and soul during a time when it is much needed. The official listing of all of the Soul Train awards winners are as follows: 

2020 “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” WINNERS- (Referenced from businesswire.com) 

Best New Artist – Snoh Aalegra

Soul Train Certified Award –Brandy

Best R&B/Soul Male Artist – Chris Brown

Best R&B/Soul Female Artist – H.E.R.

Video of the Year – Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn & Wizkid “Brown Skin Girl”

Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Kirk Franklin

Album of the Year – Summer Walker “Over It”

Rhythm & Bars Award – Megan Thee Stallion “Savage”

Song of the Year – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”

The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award – “I Can’t Breathe,” Written by H.E.R.

Best Dance Performance – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”

Best Collaboration Performance – Chris Brown & Young Thug “Go Crazy”

To relive the night and view performances, head over to https://www.bet.com/shows/soul-train-awards.html or catch them, plus interviews and exclusive content on the official B.E.T. Networks YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/user/BETNetworks 

Articles information Referenced in Post can be found here.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201129005429/en

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