2014 Soul Train Awards
The 2014 Soul Train Awards aired tonight on BET. It was pretaped in Las Vegas earlier this month, and you can see why they didn’t do it live. There were 16 categories with at least 5 nominees in each, over 20 performers, more than 10 presenters, and Wendy Williams as host. There were way too many opportunities for surprises to arises. The best way to stay in control of this Soul Train was to tape the broadcast. 
The 2014 Soul Train Awards opened with a performance by Chris Brown. He’s back in shape, he threw some killer dance moves out. He did have to catch his breath a few times in a few places, but he performed five songs ending with his nominated hit, Loyal.
Wendy’s big entrance came with her arrival in a car with folks calling out her signature phrase, “How you doing?” She ran backstage acting like she was in a horror movie, but it was a take on Phantom of the Opera. The man behind the mask was Boris Kodjoe.
Wendy told a Don Cornelius story about him putting her in a headlock. Interesting choice, but it was nice that Don Cornelius was mentioned right off the top.
Next, they saluted the Army while announcing the first award of the evening for Best R&B Soul Male and the winner was Trey Songz.
Layali Ali and Mo’ne Davis presented the award for Song of the Year and the winner was Pharrell Williams for Happy. Pharrell accepted his award by video.
Up next was Nico & Vinz, and they performed several songs, followed by Benzino and Althea, formally of Love and Hip Hop. It was a surprise to see them performing a little hosting duty while going into the commercial break.
KEM took the stage next and performed a medley of songs.
Next came We Are Toonz. They jumped out of the audience and took the stage for a very wild and popping performance.
The next award was for Best Collaboration and Chris Brown won for Loyal featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga.
Michelle Williams and Boris Kodjoe presented the nominees for the Chaka Khan R&B/Soul Female Award and the winner was Beyoncé. Beyoncé was not there to accept the award, so Michelle accepted for her.
Faith Evans and Tyrese Gibson introduced the nominees for the Best New Artist Award and the winners were Nico & Vinz. They said they couldn’t believe that “two guys from Norway were here in America experiencing this.”
Wendy Williams introduced the performance by Jodeci. Their look and sound were great. Possibly with help from tracks, but it was good to see them on stage together again.
Flavor Flav came out and in his own way asked of peace around the Ferguson unrest. He then introduced a performance by newcomer Tinashe. Tinashe ended her section with her hit 2 On.
Mike Tyson was introduced with clips from his new animated series, Mike Tyson Mysteries on Adult Swim. He said he wants everyone to watch it or else. Then once he finally found the correct spot on stage to stand on, his time was up and he left.
The nominees for the Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year was next and the winner was Chris Brown for Loyal. He had a good night.
Next came Wolf Blitzer making his yearly appearance, also to introduce a performance by Aloe Blacc.
Judge Mathis appeared at his bench and in full robe to let us know that two of the members of Kool & the Gang are his cousins. That’s a fun fact.
3WB sang for the Memorial piece remembering all the great performers that have passed, including an ending with Don Cornelius.
Oh, then Wendy came back. Haven’t seen her much in the program. She did a skit to introduce Stephanie Mills singing Home from The Wiz. Stephanie sang that song just like she did more than twenty years ago. Fabulous! She brought the house down.
Judge Mathis and Nile Rodgers came out to announce that Kool & the Gang were the winners of the Soul Train Legend Award. Can’t think of a more deserving group to receive this honor.
Doug E. Fresh started off the musical tribute to Kool & the Gang, Mc Lyte joined him, so did Tamar Braxton, Liv Warfield, and Ma$e, before Kool & the Gang came to the stage to accept their awards. They thanked all their “Kool fans.” They also thanked Don Cornelius for their success and said they miss him.
Next came Lil’ Kim bursting on the stage performing Ladies Night and a video insert allowed Left Eye to join her, followed by DaBrat and Missy Elliot.
As Wendy said good night, Doug E. Fresh said the party was not over and continued singing the Kool & the Gang song Hollywood Swingers and formed a massive Soul Train line.
This year’s Soul Train Awards broadcast was controlled fun with lots of great performances. It’s worth viewing the rerun.
See You Next year!
Tanya Hart
