Soul Train Awards

Soul Train Awards, The 2011 Soul Train Awards, which was taped on November 17 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA, aired last night (November 27) on BET. Soul/R&B’s biggest night included winners like Chris Brown, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Rihanna.

Brown, who had five nominations going in, avoided going home empty handed by winning ‘Album of the Year’ for his latest release ‘F.A.M.E.’ The “Strip” star beat out Beyonce’s ‘4,’ Trey Songz’s ‘Passion, Pain & Pleasure,’ Adele’s ‘21,’ Jill Scott’s ‘The Light of the Sun,’ and Jay-Z & Kanye West’s ‘Watch the Throne’ to claim the title.

Brown’s ex-girlfriend Rihanna took home ‘Best Caribbean Performance’ for her hit single “Man Down” but lost in the category of ‘Best Dance Performance’ to Beyonce Knowles.

“Motivation” landed Kelly Rowland her first solo Soul Train Award for ‘Song of the Year,’ while Marsha Ambrosius took home ‘Record of the Year’ for her touching single “Far Away.”

Other winners included Miguel (Best New Artist), Cee-Lo Green (Best Male R&B and Soul), Mary Mary (Best Gospel Performance) and Jill Scott (Best Female R&B and Soul Artist).

During the celebration, the event paid tribute to late 90’s rapper Heavy D, with performance by Naughty by Nature, Doug E. Fresh, Kurtis Blow and Goodie Mob, who ended their set with: “We got nothing but love for you, Heavy!”

Additionally, Gladys Knight and Earth, Wind & Fire were honored during the event. Natalie Cole, Robin Thicke, Eric Benet, Marsha Ambrosius, Tamar Braxton and Bootsy Collins were among those who took part in honoring the music vets.

Winners List:

• Best New Artist: Miguel
• Best Male R&B and Soul: Cee-Lo Green
• Best Caribbean Performance: Rihanna – “Man Down”
• Best Gospel Performance: Mary Mary – “Walking”
• Album of the Year: Chris Brown – “F.A.M.E.”
• Best Hip-Hop Song: Nicki Minaj – “Moment for Life”
• Best Female R&B and Soul Artist: Jill Scott
• Song of the Year: Kelly Rowland – “Motivation”
• Record of the Year (Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award): Marsha Ambrosius – “Far Away”
• Best Dance Performance: Beyonce Knowles – “Run the World (Girls)”
• Best Traditional Jazz Album: Cassandra Wilson
• Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Dave Koz

Toni Braxton and Trey Songz

PHOTO! Here again is that Toni Braxton Trey Songz kiss picture that reportedly sent Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis to divorce. Toni Braxton and Trey Songz’ kiss was in front of Braxton’s then husband Keri Lewis.

Now Lewis is reportedly divorcing Braxton, as profiled first on LALATE last week. Essence.com reports Toni Braxton’s antics during the Soul Train Awards, kissing in front of Lewis in the audience, resulted in the couple’s divorce. While neither has yet to confirm the break up, this would mark yet another nail in a coffin of a year for Braxton.
In 12 months, Braxton has been sued over debt problems, lost her Las Vegas show, grew ill, and now this. She’s 43, Songz is nearly half her age at 25. Lewis was formerly of Mint Condition.

Braxton’s hit songs, many years back, included Another Sad Love Song and Find Me A Man. Ironically, as broke first on LALATE, the press release for the awards show even mentioned the kiss:

“On Tuesday, November 3, CENTRIC took viewers on a stirring ride aboard the “Soul Train” at the taping of the network’s first special, CENTRIC PRESENTS: 2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS hosted by Academy Award-nominated actors Taraji P. Hensonand Terrence Howard. The night opened with a memorable performance by Toni Braxton featuring Trey Songz singing “Yesterday” that was sealed with a kiss. Co-hosts Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson welcomed the audience with a colorful rendition of Peaches and Herb’s “Reunited.” With performances from Keri Hilson, Robin Thicke, Ryan Leslie, Raheem DeVaughn featuring Ludacris Chrisette Michele, Mario featuring Sean Garrett, and many more, the evening was filled with non-stop, soulful entertainment.”

Award winners included:
BEST NEW ARTIST
– Keri Hilson
BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALE
– Beyonce
BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALE
– Maxwell
SONG OF TS-EX- YEAR
– “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)” – Beyonce
ALBUM OF TS-EX- YEAR
– Beyonce – I am… Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music
RECORD OF TS-EX- 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 TS-EX- YEAR
– Michael Jackson