Usher and Alicia Keys Take Top Honors at Soul Train Awards

Usher and the "I'm Ready" crooner both score two awards at R&B fete

By Brandi Fowler Nov 29, 2010 12:00 AMTags
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Proving it's wide-ranging enough to incorporate both R. Kelly and Wolf Blitzer, the Soul Train Awards aired Sunday night to dole out awards and celebrate the stars who came (Cee-Lo, Erykah Badu, Anita Baker) and those who didn't (Rihanna, Usher, Alicia Keys). 

The show, which was taped Nov. 10 in Atlanta, was hosted by Academy Award-nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, who returned to the show's stage for the second year in a row.

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Taking top honors for the night were Usher and Alicia Keys, who both grabbed two awards. The newly minted Mrs. Swizz Beatz garnered awards for Best Female R&B Soul Artist and a songwriting nod for Record of the Year. Usher won Best Album of the Year and tied with Trey Songz for Best Male R&B Soul Artist. Neither superstar was present to make an acceptance speech, however.

Other winners like Ciara, Eminem and Rihanna were also MIA, leaving it to Blitzer to go back on stage after his Dougie-dancing stint to accept the Best Hip Hop Song Award on behalf of Eminem. 

"Who better to accept this award on behalf of Eminem," The Situation Room host said. "I know he's thrilled." 

Meanwhile, a shimmery gold-cloaked Cee-Lo hit the stage to perform "Forget You," Badu managed to stay clothed as she performed "Window Seat" and a plethora of stars including Goapele, Chrisette Michelle, Tamia, and Faith Evans sang a tribute to a tearful Baker who received the Soul Train "Legends" award. Jeffrey Osborne, Freddy Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more paid homage to Ron Isley who received the honor as well.

Check out the winners for this year's Soul Train Awards: 

  • Best Song of the Year: B.O.B. feat. Bruno Mars, "Nothing on You"
  • Best New Artist: Melonie Fiona 
  • Best Hip Hop Song of the Year: Eminem feat. Rihanna, "Love the Way you Lie" 
  • Best Reggae Artist Award: Gyptian 
  • Centric Award: Janelle Monae 
  • Best Gospel Performance Male Female or Group: Marvin Sapp 
  • Best Dance Performance: Ciara, "Ride"
  • Best Female R&B Soul Artist : Alicia Keys
  • Best Male R&B Soul Artist: Trey Songz and Usher (Tie) 
  • Album of the Year: Usher, Raymond vs. Raymond 
  • Record of the Year: Alicia Keys, "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)," Songwriters: Alicia Keys, Aubrey Graham, Brothers, Noah "40″ Shebib

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