The 2020 Soul Train Awards was hosted for the third consecutive year by the dynamic duo, Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold. Tisha and Tichina are also producers of the Soul Train Awards and packed the program with dynamic performances in a celebration of some of the brightest stars in R&B, Gospel, Adult Urban Contemporary, and Soul.
The ladies opened by dancing and singing to the music of UNITY by Queen Latifah followed by Megan Thee Stallion’s Savage.
They invited a little girl to sing with them and she belted out Just Fine by Mary J. Blige, and then told the ladies, “You about to lose your job.”
Tisha and Tichina ended dancing and singing to Beyoncé’s Run the World.
“It’s all about love and celebration of our culture tonight.”
“The stage maybe a little smaller, but we are going to bring you the biggest performances all night long.”
The first category of the night was the Soul Train Certified Award. The nominees were Brandy, Fantasia, Kelly Rowland, Ledisi, Monica, and PJ Morton. The 2020 Soul Trian Award went to Brandy. She thanked her family for loving her unconditionally and dedicated the award to her fans.
Tichina introduced Brandy’s stage performance of Say Something from her new album B7, followed by Borderline.
Tisha and Tichina then introduced Ella Mai who performed Not Another Love Song.
The next performer was Jasmine Sullivan. She sang Lost One and Pick Up Your Feelings.
Andra Day introduced Moses Sumney, an artist making his debut on the Soul Train Awards just as she did years ago.
During the Dream in Black segment, artists performed in the Soul Cypher. This year’s Soul Cypher featured Shanice who performed a little bit of I Love Your Smile before PJ Morton, Chanté Moore, and Stokely performed.
The next category was Best Gospel/Inspirational Award. The 2020 Soul Train Award went to Kirk Franklin. He gave his acceptance speech from home and thanked God and his music company.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis introduced Lucky Daye with Baby Face who performed Shoulda.
Best R&B Soul Female Artist was the next category. The 2020 Soul Train Award winner was H.E.R. She came to the stage to accept the award. She thanked her record company and the fans. “R&B is not dead. We are forever.”
CeeLo Green was up next, and he performed a melody of Go-Go music.
Tisha introduced Charlie Wilson and Smokey Robinson who performed All Of My Love. Smokey looked great. He wears 80 years old very well, and Charlie’s voice is still amazing. Charlie then sang Miracle Worker.
Tichina introduced the next performer. It was Snoh Aalegra who sang I Want You Around. Tisha followed and introduced a performance by Ella Nicole.
H.E.R. introduced the 2020 Lady of Soul Award. The sixth annual Lady of Soul Award went to singer, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Monica. She is the youngest female artist ever to have two number one back-to-back hits on Billboard’s R&B chart for her 1995 debut album Miss Thang, and The Boy Is Mine was number one on Billboard Charts for a record-breaking 13 weeks.
Monica came to the stage to accept her award. “I am still standing because of God’s grace.” “I know God so well because I had an amazing Mother.” She thanked her three children, and the labels in her career. “To everyone whoever supported me I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Monica ended her speech with, “I have to thank my BET Soul Train family for 25 years of support … I love you guys.”
Monica then performed, Everything To Me, Don’t Take It Personal, Before You Walk Out Of My Life, Inside, and So Gone.
Tisha and Tichina closed the 2020 Soul Train Awards with the Soul Train theme and “Love, Peace, and Soul!” Congratulations to all the winners. See you, next year ladies!
Tanya Hart
AURN.Com Hollywood Live
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