Art & Style

(RECAP) H.E.R., Chris Brown Big Winners; Monica Named ‘Lady of Soul’; Arnold, Campbell Triumph as Hosts at 2020 Soul Train Awards

Published on November 30, 2020

Despite the pandemic, the Soul Train Awards kept things moving last night by showcasing and honoring the best in R&B and soul music at its annual awards ceremony.

Airing on BET and its sister networks BET HER, VH1 and MTV2, the two-hour long program brought together some of the legends of R&B with some of today’s breakout stars, including H.E.R., who was on hand to accept the award for “Best R&B/Soul Female Artist.”

H.E.R. also picked up “The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award” for “I Can’t Breathe.”

This year’s Soul Train Awards was pared down compared to the lively Las Vegas-style productions viewers have come to enjoy in recent years. This year, producers opted for a Los Angeles location and a more intimate cabaret-style set and performances.

Nevertheless, the show brought the same level of soul and rhythm that has been a stable of the Soul Train brand for more than a half-century.

A hallmark of the Soul Train Awards are its vibrant performances, and this year was no different.

Among the performances of note include Brandy performing a medley of her recent hits and Ella Mai belting out the first single, “Not Another Love Song,” from her forthcoming sophomore album.

Jasmine Sullivan delivered an electrifying performance of “Lost Ones” and “Pick Up Your Feelings,” which featured portraits of prominent Black figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Quincy Jones, in the background as she performed in a pre-recorded video.

Snoh Aalegra also performed her smooth single “I Want You Around” using a psychedelic background that would have been featured on Soul Train in 1970s.

New Orleans R&B crooner Lucky Daye teamed up with legendary singer/songwriter Babyface to perform their new collaboration “Shoulda.” The song samples Toni Braxton’s classic “Love Shoulda Brought You Home,” which was written by Babyface.

Charlie Wilson performed a duet with Smokey Robinson before honoring the memory of gospel legend Rance Allen with a rousing tribute.

In addition, Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha, stars of the upcoming Amazon Prime movie “Sylvie’s Love,” were on hand to present the “Best Gospel/Inspirational Award” to Kirk Franklin.

This year’s “Lady of Soul Award” winner, Monica brought down the house with a jam-packed performance of her chart-topping hits, including “Don’t Take It Personal,” “Before You Walk Out My Life,” and “Angel of Mine.”

While the musical performances and winners are sure highlights of the Soul Train Awards, in recent years, its hosts Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell have been a treat to watch as well.

In their third year hosting the awards, the bestie actresses once again brought the comedy, harmony and fashion throughout the night—solidifying their place as perennial hosts of the ceremony.

The production of this year’s awards was led by Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, and Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE), who broke ground in June by producing the virtual 2020 BET Awards, setting the tone for other award ceremonies to follow in recent months. The 2020 Soul Train Awards were executive produced by Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon of JCE.

See the full winner’s list for the 2020 Soul Train Awards below as well as photos from the event below.

2020 “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” WINNERS

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”