BET announces the revival of the Soul Train Awards after a three-year hiatus, set to air on November 27.
BET has officially announced the return of the Soul Train Awards, three years after the event was paused. This year’s ceremony is scheduled to air on Friday, November 27, at 8 p.m., and will be presented on both BET and CBS, marking the first time CBS will host the iconic awards show.
According to Variety, these awards celebrate the influential achievements within R&B and soul music, themes deeply rooted in the show’s legacy. The last installment took place in 2023, hosted by Keke Palmer, and this revival aims to reconnect audiences with a cherished tradition.
The Soul Train Awards, founded by Don Cornelius in 1971 in Chicago, has been a significant platform for honoring achievements in African American music. Previously, BET's then-CEO Scott Mills mentioned in 2025 that the Soul Train Awards had been "suspended" to allow for a reimagining in response to the evolving media landscape. The new format aims to honor the legacy of past artists while spotlighting contemporary performers.
Louis Carr, BET's president, expressed pride in returning the awards to its Chicago roots, underscoring the show's cultural significance. Carr stated that this return reaffirms BET's commitment to celebrating soul music and fostering connections within the community.
Connie Orlando, BET's executive VP of specials, music programming, and music strategy, confirmed that this year’s Soul Train Awards will feature a “bold new format.” The show is expected to blend historical figures who shaped R&B and soul music with current artists who are influencing the genre today. Specific honorees, performances, and host details will be revealed in the coming weeks, promising an exciting evening for audiences.
BET has partnered with Spotify as the exclusive music streaming provider and secured Toyota as a key sponsor. Their involvement suggests a robust promotional strategy aimed at elevating the awards show’s visibility and engagement.
This revived edition of the Soul Train Awards will not be broadcast live; instead, it will be pre-recorded in Chicago. The production will be managed by Jesse Collins Entertainment, signaling a return to the quality and reverence associated with the awards in its earlier days. Orlando emphasized the importance of maintaining the Soul Train Awards as a celebration of the genre while adapting to contemporary music trends and viewers’ expectations.
In its history, the Soul Train Awards has spotlighted many prominent artists and significantly contributed to the evolution of R&B and soul music. Its revival is viewed as a vital step in reestablishing the show’s legacy in a changing cultural landscape.
The return of the Soul Train Awards after a three-year hiatus signifies a revitalization of a platform essential for recognizing Black artists in music. This development not only honors the show’s rich history but also encourages new talent within the genres of R&B and soul. As audiences eagerly await the show in November, it will be crucial to see how BET integrates nostalgia with modern trends to effectively engage viewers.
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