“SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” RETURNS TO BET AND MAKES DEBUT ON CBS
Presented by Spotify and Toyota
Airing Friday, Nov. 27 at 8:00 PM, ET/PT
From Chicago, the City That Started It All
BET today announced the return of SOUL TRAIN AWARDS, presented by Spotify and Toyota, airing Friday, Nov. 27th at 8:00 PM, ET/PT on BET and simulcast on CBS for the first time ever, along with BET HER, VH1, MTV2 and LOGO.
Taped in the city where Don Cornelius launched the original “Soul Train” more than 50 years ago, the show will celebrate the artists, music and enduring legacy of “Soul Train” through a dynamic night of performances and special moments.
With Spotify as the exclusive music streaming partner and Toyota as the exclusive automotive partner, the return marks a new chapter for the franchise that has shaped Black music and culture for generations. This year’s telecast blends honorees who defined the sound with the artists carrying it forward, celebrating a legacy that has influenced American music since “Soul Train” first went on the air in 1971. Performances, honorees and host details will be announced in the coming weeks.
BET NAMES ANTHONY ANDERSON HOST OF SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2026
BET announced Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated acclaimed actor, comedian, and television host Anthony Anderson will host “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2026,” airing Friday, November 27 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. Returning to the BET stage, Anderson will lead an unforgettable celebration of the artists, music, and enduring cultural legacy of the iconic “Soul Train” franchise, with a night of performances, tributes, and honors.
Anderson previously hosted the BET Awards in 2015 and 2016 and served as host of the NAACP Image Awards for eight consecutive years, bringing his signature humor, charisma and commanding presence to some of television’s biggest celebrations of Urban excellence and culture. Anderson also hosted the 75th Annual Emmy Awards.
“I’m thrilled to be back with BET and especially excited to host SOUL TRAIN AWARDS in Chicago, where the Soul Train legacy began,” said Anthony Anderson. “Soul Train is more than a television show or an awards franchise; it’s a piece of our cultural history. Don Cornelius created a platform that gave Black artists a place to shine, and generations later, that spirit is still alive. I’m looking forward to celebrating the legends, the artists shaping R&B and soul today, and bringing a whole lot of fun to the night.”
“Anthony brings an incredible combination of comedic instinct, musical knowledge and genuine love for this culture,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy for BET. “His longstanding relationship with BET, coupled with his experience hosting some of television’s biggest award shows, makes him a natural fit for this new chapter of SOUL TRAIN AWARDS.”
“Anthony Anderson is an exceptional entertainer with a genuine connection to BET and the culture that SOUL TRAIN represents,” said Louis Carr, President of BET. “He understands the legacy, the music and the importance of creating a moment that brings people together. As we return SOUL TRAIN AWARDS to Chicago, the birthplace of the franchise, we’re excited to have Anthony at the center of this celebration.”
Anderson has received seven consecutive Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series,” four Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Comedy Series” as producer, three Golden Globe nominations, and three Critics’ Choice nominations for his role on “black-ish.” He has won eight Image Awards and had six BET Award nominations.
THE SOUL TRAIN AWARDS NOMINEES ARE IN, AND FANS DECIDE THE WINNERS IN TWO NEW CATEGORIES!
Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown & Bryson Tiller, Daniel Caesar, Justin Bieber, Kehlani, Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis, Olivia Dean, Tems, and Tyla Up for R&B/Soul Song of the Year, Voted Exclusively on BET.com
New Spotify R&B X International Artist Category Features Tems, FLO, Odeal, Cleo Sol, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Tiana Major9, and kwn, With Voting Exclusively on Spotify
Plus, Fans Rank The 20 Greatest R&B Songs of the 2020s, Counted Down During the Soul Train Awards Red Carpet Show: “Back on Track”
NEW YORK – Oct. 5, 2026 – BET today announced the Soul Train Awards 2026 nominees, kicking off fan voting for the reimagined show. For the first time, fans will have a say in who takes home the trophies, with two new fan-voted categories: R&B/Soul Song of the Year, with voting on BET.com and Spotify’s RNB X International Artist, with voting in the Spotify app.
Voting is open now through Oct. 16, and fans can see who takes home the trophies Friday, Nov. 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, with a simulcast on CBS, BET Her, VH1, MTV2, and LOGO. Fans can also vote through Oct. 16 for The 20 Greatest R&B Songs of the 2020s, with the final ranking revealed ahead of the ceremony during the Soul Train Awards Red Carpet Show: “Back on Track” streaming on YouTube and Facebook.
R&B/Soul Song of the Year honors the song that defined the past year, from the lyrics to the melody to the voice coming through the speakers. This year’s 10 nominees dominated streaming, conquered the charts, and resonated across the culture. Fans can cast their votes at: http://bet.com/soul-train-awards/rnb-soul-song-of-the-year.
New this year, Spotify’s RNB X International Artist category spotlights artists pushing the genre beyond borders with new perspectives and sounds. Inspired by RNB X, Spotify’s flagship R&B playlist, the category’s seven nominees were selected based on cultural relevance, streaming performance, and overall impact on the genre. Fans can vote in the Spotify app, where they can stream the nominees, cast their votes, and share their pick with friends. Votes are subject to Spotify’s terms and conditions.
The 20 Greatest R&B Songs of the 2020s puts one question to fans: What’s the greatest R&B song of the decade? From 64 songs at https://hub.bet.com/soul-train-awards/20-songs-voting, fans can vote once every 24 hours for the tracks that feel both timeless and of the moment, whether they pull from the past, push the genre forward, or both. Quiet sleepers and records with massive cultural impact are all in the running. The 20 songs with the most votes make the final list, ranked by vote count, and the countdown to No. 1 will be revealed during the Soul Train Awards Red Carpet Show: “Back on Track,” streaming on YouTube and Facebook.
“We’re thrilled to put the vote in the fans’ hands for the first time,” said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET. “From the biggest songs of the year to the artists taking R&B global, these categories show how far the genre reaches right now, and we can’t wait to see where the votes land.”
Connie Orlando serves as executive producer of Soul Train Awards 2026 for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as executive producers.
Details of performers and honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.
SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2026 FAN-VOTED NOMINEES
R&B/Soul Song of the Year (Voted Exclusively on BET.com)
“Butterflies” — Brent Faiyaz
“I Just Might” — Bruno Mars
“It Depends” — Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller
“Who Knows” — Daniel Caesar
“Yukon” — Justin Bieber
“Folded” — Kehlani
“Is It a Crime” — Mariah the Scientist feat. Kali Uchis
“Man I Need” — Olivia Dean
“What You Need” — Tems
“Chanel” — Tyla
Spotify’s RNB X International Artist (Voted Exclusively on Spotify)
Cleo Sol
FLO
kwn
Odeal
PARTYNEXTDOOR
Tems
Tiana Major9
BET Invites Fans to Step Into the Spotlight with “Soul Train Line: You’re Up!” Contest
BET Invites Fans to Step Into the Spotlight with “Soul Train Line: You’re Up!” Contest
Grand prize winner receives $5,000 and a feature in the Soul Train Awards 2026 broadcast
BET announced “Soul Train Line: You’re Up!”, a contest inviting fans to put their own spin on one of Black music and entertainment’s most iconic traditions. Fans can submit a 30-second video for a chance to win $5,000 and have their entry featured during the 2026 Soul Train Awards broadcast. Nine additional finalists will each receive $500.
HOW TO ENTER
Fans can enter the “Soul Train Line: You’re Up!” contest by following these steps:
- Show your moves. Record a 30-second video featuring your take on the Soul Train Line. Friends and family are encouraged to join the fun.
- Share your video. Follow @BET and post your video on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook using the official contest hashtag: #BETSoulTrainLine
- Submit your entry. Visit bet.com/soul-train-line to submit your entry, including a link to your social media post.
Entrants may submit one video per person. All entries must be submitted by November 5, 2026. Participants will dance to Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” https://f.io/_XEpGbIh
The grand prize winner’s video will be featured during the “Soul Train Awards” 2026, airing Friday, November 27, 2026, on BET AND CBS at 8 PM ET/PT, along with BET HER, VH1, MTV2 and LOGO.
For official contest rules, eligibility requirements and additional details, visit bet.com/soul-train-line-contest-rules.
BET ANNOUNCES CHAKA KHAN AS RECIPIENT OF THE CLASSIC SOUL HONOR AT THE “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS”
BET announced that legendary singer, songwriter and cultural icon Chaka Khan will receive the Classic Soul Honor at the “Soul Train Awards” 2026, recognizing a career defined by vocal brilliance, artistic innovation, and decades of excellence that have helped shape the sound and soul of R&B.
The Classic Soul Honor celebrates a legacy artist whose influence and decades of excellence have shaped the sound and soul of R&B. Chaka Khan’s recognition underscores the “Soul Train Awards”’ longstanding commitment to honoring the artists, innovators and cultural architects whose contributions have left an indelible mark on music and popular culture.
With a voice that has transcended generations and genres, Khan has become one of music history’s most influential artists. Chaka Khan helped define the sound of soul, funk and R&B with timeless hits including “Tell Me Something Good,” “Sweet Thing,” “Ain’t Nobody,” “I’m Every Woman,” and “I Feel for You.” Her groundbreaking artistry and unmistakable sound have influenced generations of performers and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Chaka’s latest album, CHAKZILLA, features collaborations with Sia, Snoop Dogg, Lenny Kravitz, and songwriter and producer Greg Kurstin.
A recipient of 11 Grammy Awards, Chaka Khan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 with the Musical Excellence Award and received the Recording Academy’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026. Her enduring legacy reflects not only her immense talent but also her ability to push musical boundaries while remaining deeply connected to the rhythms, voices and traditions that define soul music.
“Chaka Khan is the embodiment of soul music,” said Louis Carr, President of BET. “From her groundbreaking work with Rufus to a solo career that has produced some of the most iconic records in music history, she has continually expanded the possibilities of R&B and soul while inspiring generations of artists to find and own their voices. Honoring Chaka is a celebration of the music and cultural legacy that Soul Train has always embodied.”
“Chaka Khan is an artist whose influence can be heard across generations, whose artistry has helped define the very essence of soul music, and whose legacy continues to inspire the music we hear today,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming and music strategy for BET. “The Classic Soul Honor celebrates artists whose contributions are foundational to our culture and Chaka’s unmistakable voice and enduring impact make her truly deserving of this honor. We are proud to celebrate her legacy on the Soul Train Awards stage.”
“As a Chicago native, I’m proud to bring the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS back to the city where it all originated,” said Louis Carr, president of BET. “Coming off a landmark year for BET, this return reaffirms what we do best: bringing our community together around the culture, and connecting the artists who built this sound to the ones carrying it forward.”
“The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS has always been the home for R&B and soul, and this year we’re reimagining the celebration with a bold new format,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming and music strategy for BET. “It’s about honoring the artists who shaped the genre while reinventing the night for where the music is headed.”
“Jesse Collins Entertainment is elated to return to produce the show,” said Jesse Collins, founder and CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment. “We are honored to work alongside BET, Spotify and Toyota toward an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances and special moments.”
Spotify’s Joe Hadley, global head of music content and partnerships at Spotify, states, “We’re thrilled the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS are coming back. It’s a significant moment for R&B and soul, and for Spotify, it’s important to show up where culture is. Bringing Spotify and BET together allows us to extend the impact beyond the awards themselves, creating more opportunities for artists and their music to reach fans around the world.”
“‘Soul Train’ has been a defining force in music and culture for more than five decades, and Toyota is proud to have been part of that legacy for many of those years,” said Dedra DeLilli, vice president of marketing communications at Toyota. “We’ve always believed in showing up where culture is being created and celebrated, which is why we are extremely excited to be the exclusive automotive partner for the return of the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS. We’re proud to help bring this iconic platform back in a way that honors its legacy and the significance it continues to hold today.”
Connie Orlando serves as the executive producer for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2026 for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as executive producers.
About Spotify
Since its launch in 2008, Spotify has revolutionized music listening. Its move into podcasting brought innovation and a new generation of listeners to the medium. In 2022, Spotify took the next leap, entering the fast-growing audiobook market—continuing to shape the future of audio.
Today, more listeners than ever can discover, manage and enjoy over 100 million tracks, 7 million podcast titles, and 700,000 audiobooks on platform. Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with 777 million users, including 300 million subscribers, in 184 markets.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships. Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of over 50 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About Jesse Collins Entertainment
Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full-service Emmy-winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. JCE’s award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its four divisions – specials, sports, scripted and unscripted
About Soul Train
“Soul Train” was created in 1971 by visionary Don Cornelius and predominantly featured performances by R&B, pop, soul, and hip-hop artists, in addition to the occasional funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists. When the final episode of the show’s historic thirty-five-year run aired in 2006, it was the longest-running first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history. “Soul Train” highlighted a cast of incredible, ethnically diverse dancers who famously introduced the world to a whole new series of dance moves and styles on a weekly basis. Cornelius opened every show welcoming the audience to “the hippest trip in America” and closed each show wishing the audience “love, peace, and soul.” Today, the legacy of “Soul Train” lives on through the legendary Soul Train dance line, which has become a timeless staple on dance floors across America. In 2016, BET acquired the “Soul Train” brand and remains dedicated to revitalizing the brand while also honoring its heritage.
About BET Media Group
The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), is the world’s largest media company rooted in community, culture, and connection for the Urban community. For over four decades, BET has served as a trusted home for Urban audiences, amplifying authentic stories, elevating Urban voices, and creating spaces where culture thrives and community comes together. Through a powerful portfolio of brands – including BET, BET Her, BET Studios, and VH1 – along with FAST channels such as BET Tyler Perry Comedy, BET Tyler Perry Drama, BET Comedy Movies, BET Cinema, BET Classics, BET Visionaries, BET Throwbacks, and BET Pluto, BET connects audiences across cable, digital, live events, studios, and global platforms. Together, these platforms deliver culturally resonant content that reflects the depth, creativity, and impact of the Urban experience. For more information, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For additional announcements, visit paramountpressexpress.com/bet
