by Nkechiye O.

Created on: December 03, 2009

With BET network taking over the award show for its first year, The Soul Train Awards had a modern day face lift with the same great classic feel. Many original dancers showed up to grace The Soul Train line. Many legendary performers such,Johnny Gill and Bootsy Collins also came to
honor Grammy winning singer-songwriter, Chaka Kahn and R&B/soul singer, also lead vocalist for the Gap Band, Charlie Wilson. This year Soul Train was something not to be missed. While the highlights far overshadowed the low, the low lights deserved to be mentioned as well. Here is why The Soul Train awards was a great show.

Taraji P. Henson and Terrance Howard
BET picked the perfect pair to host the show. Both strong, black, very successful and at the height of their careers (Taraji was nominated for an Academy Award for her amazing performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Terrence nominated for an Academy Award for Hustle and Flow.) Taraij is also coming off a spectacular performance in Tyler Perrys I Can Do Bad All By Myself. They had a noticeable chemistry throughout the show which led to a very steamy kiss between the two. They acted out soul train skits so well it made my mother smile. Hope to see them again next year!

Modern Face Lift
Soul Train was about new artist coming and performing their songs so people could show off their clothes and dance skills dancing down The Soul Train line. BET chose to welcome new artists both underground and mainstream. Myself being a loyal neo-soul fan for years appreciated the likes of neo-soul front liners Ryan Leslie, Raheem Devaughn, Angie Stone,and Chrisette Michele. R Leslie, and Angie Stone gave powerful entertaining performances. Even Fantasia blew the socks off of the cover of Chakas "Tell Me Something Good." The stage also had a classic feel with a constant soul train line going on and people dancing below instead of seats in the front. A few original Soul Train dancers appeared as well. It almost felt like a new episode of The Souuuuuuuuuuuuuuul Train ("crescendo").

Chaka Kahn and Charlie Wilson performances
Both looked and sounded excellent. Charlie sounded great with the live band. Even in older age they were more powerful than before. Chaka was really a treat to see even if it was ever so briefly. Her voice somehow even better than before. Her love of the stage and performing truly shown
through. It was touching to see her become emotional during her acceptance speech.

Low Lights.

Keri Hilson winning all the awards

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