In another life, Don Cornelius is rejoicing in the triumphant return of love, peace, and soul. Black music has always deserved a stage big enough to celebrate the people doing it, and, after a three-year hiatus, the Soul Train Awards is returning to BET. It returns with a new format designed to honor the artists who “defined the sound with the artists carrying it forward,” according to the official press release.
This comeback comes with some history. The ceremony will be taped in Chicago, where Don Cornelius first launched Soul Train in 1971 and built a weekly destination where Black music, fashion, dance and style were the main event, and what was on the Soul Train line reflected the cultural soul of America.
At a time when dedicated television spaces for R&B and soul have become increasingly rare, Soul Train once again connects the artists who built the foundation with the generation sampling it, remixing it and pushing it somewhere new.
The last Soul Train Awards aired in 2023, with Keke Palmer hosting, before the show was paused. In 2025, BET’s then-CEO Scott Mills told Billboard that the network had suspended both the Soul Train Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards. The jury is still out on the latter, but Soul Train has officially gotten its boarding call.
The Soul Train Awards returns November 27 at 8 p.m. and will air live on BET and CBS, giving the celebration of Black music an even broader stage. Performers, honorees and a host will be announced in the coming weeks.
In celebration of the Soul Train Awards’ long-awaited comeback, we’re taking a look back at seven of the most unforgettable moments from the ceremony throughout the years.
Anita Baker Tribute (2010)
In 2010, Anita Baker was honored with the Legend Award for her massive impact on R&B and defining the “quiet storm” era of the ‘80s with her smooth, powerful jazz-influenced sound. Her tribute featured a medley of her greatest hits like “Caught Up in the Rapture” and “Giving You the Best I Got.” Tamia, Rachelle Ferrell, Kem, Lalah Hathaway, Chrisette Michele, El DeBarge, Faith Evans, Goapelle, and Dionne Farris came together to honor the icon by covering her beloved songs with their own renditions.
Jodeci Reunion (2014)
For the first time in eight years, Jodeci reunited to perform at the 2014 Soul Train Awards. One of the most highly anticipated R&B comebacks at the time, audiences couldn’t get enough of seeing the beloved boy band back on stage. The ‘90s nostalgia was high as they performed their classics “Stay,” “Come Talk to Me,” “Forever My Lady,” and “Freek ‘n You.” And as if the reunion wasn’t enough, rapper B.o.B joined the group onstage to debut their new song, “Nobody Wins.”
Lil’ Kim, Da Brat, and Missy Elliot Unite For “Ladies Night Remix” (2014)
Lil’ Kim, Da Brat, and Missy Elliot took the crowd by storm when they reunited to perform their 1997 hit “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix).” Their performance marked the first time in more than a decade the rappers had shared the stage, making it a major moment for women in hip-hop.
Maxwell Being Honored Legend Award (2021)
It’s not often that icons get the chance to receive their flowers while they’re still living. So it was only right for the 2021 Soul Train Awards to honor Maxwell for his contributions to transforming neo-soul and R&B with his undeniable hits like “Pretty Wings,” “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),” “Fortunate,” among others.
Silk Sonic Recreating The ‘Soul Train’ Set (2021)
The 2021 Soul Train Awards marked the 50th anniversary of Soul Train, and Silk Sonic honored the legacy of the variety show by recreating its legendary set for their performance. Dressed in their best ‘70s-inspired looks, Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak delivered a groovy musical number and smooth choreography that transported viewers back to the golden era of Soul Train.
Xscape Reunites (2022)
The R&B group Xscape performed at the 2022 Soul Train Awards. All four members—Kandi Burruss, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, LaTocha Scott, and Tamika Scott took the stage after being presented with the All four members—Kandi Burruss, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, LaTocha Scott, and Tamika Scott—took the stage after being presented with the Lady of Soul Award by Jermaine Dupri. They delivered an energetic medley of their biggest classic hits, including “My Little Secret,” “Just Kickin’ It,”
“Who Can I Run To” and “Understanding.”
Coco Jones and SWV Joint Performance (2023)
At the 2023 Soul Train Awards, the magic of old-school and new-school R&B took center stage that night. Case in point: a standout collaboration between Coco Jones and SWV. Jones kicked off the musical number with her single “Double Back” before the legendary R&B group joined her onstage to perform their iconic hit “Rain.”
T-Pain Performs Medley of His Legendary Hits (2023)
The energy in the room reached a fever pitch when T-Pain took the stage to perform a medley of the biggest songs of his career after accepting the prestigious Legend Award. From “Buy U a Drank,” “Bartender,” and “Good Life,” to “Blame” and “Got Money,” the crowd was electric while celebrating the lasting impact of his music career.