The highly-anticipated return of the Soul Train Awards was not an event taken lightly. From the very vein that Soul Train finds its lifeblood, the past and the present were bridged in perfect harmony. The tribute performances were the highlight of the evening. However, the show’s two uber-animated hosts, Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, did their fair share of bringing a fun, lighthearted air to the event.
The show began with a blond-tressed Toni Braxton, playing the piano for her duet with Trey Songz. It was a steamy and flirty performance, that of course reached its apex when Trey gave Toni a passionate kiss. It was brief, but definitely enough to surprise the audience and prepare them for the excitement of what was to come.Terrence and Taraji did some singing of their own with a rendition of Peaches and Herb’s “Reunited,” before they proceeded into the first of many hilarious skits that would punctuate the broadcast. The pair’s biggest moment came near the end of the show. Taraji exited the stage after coyly accepting a chain and pendant from Terrance. She then ran back onto the stage and gave him a long, passionate kiss—even slipping in some visible tongue.
On the performance front, Keri Hilson, who also won two awards that night, was the first soloist to perform. Her smoking, four-song set showcased her dance skills as well as the music for which she was named Best New Artist. Mario and Sean Garrett, Ryan Leslie, Trey Songz, Ludacris, Chrisette Michele, and Robin Thicke each had an opportunity later to take the stage and show us their soul.
Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, Raheem DeVaughn, Brian McKnight and Kandi shone in their tribute to Gap Band legend, Charlie Wilson before giving over the stage to the honoree himself. The Motown tribute featured Taraji as a Supremes-era Diana Ross. She was followed by Hal Linton, Melanie Fiona, Vita, Estelle, Johnny Gill, Michael Phillips, Chico DeBarge, and Wanya and Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men.
In honoring the late, great Michael Jackson, a video medley was married with Don Cornelius voice-overs. It featured fantastic vintage footage of the Jackson 5 and Michael’s performance career over the years, and was met with roaring applause.
By far, the most rousing tribute of the night was for Chaka Khan. Erykah Badu, Ledisi, and Angie Stone all brought out their soulful best for Chaka. The show stealer was Fantasia, with her growling, wailing, foot-stomping rendition of “Tell Me Something Good.” But, it was Angie Stone singing “Ain’t Nobody” who coaxed Chaka into joining in and belting out the best notes of the song—from her place in the audience.
Only a handful of the award presentations were broadcast, and the emphasis remained on the performances. Overall, it was a powerful comeback for the Soul Train Awards, which became the top trending topic on Twitter. Soul Train was missed and very well-received.
www.soultrain.com
The recipients of the 2009 Soul Train Awards are:
BEST NEW ARTIST
Keri Hilson
BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALE
Beyoncé
BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALE
Maxwell
SONG OF THE YEAR
‘Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)’ – Beyoncé
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé – I am… Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music
RECORD OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER AWARD)
Jamie Foxx Ft/T-Pain – ‘Blame it’
BEST REGGAE ARTIST AWARD
Sean Paul
CENTRIC AWARD – SOUL APPROVED/UNDERGROUND
Maysa
BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE MALE FEMALE OR GROUP
Mary Mary featuring Kierra “KiKi” Sheard – ‘God In Me’
BEST COLLABORATION
Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo – ‘Knock you Down’
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Michael Jackson
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