For last night’s Soul Train Awards, hosts Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell honored the legacy of Black girls and celebrated its future in between laughs, costume changes and great music.
Performers reached across generations to honor one another’s talents and push the culture forward. R&B legends Charlie Wilson and Smokey Robinson, alongside power houses Monica, Brandy and Yolanda Adams were joined by members of the new guard including Moses Sumney, Snoh Alegra, Ella Mai and Lucky Daye.
Here are nine of our favorite moments from the 2020 Soul Train Awards.
1. Black Love Thriving At The Pre-Show
Our forever relationship goals Flex and Shanice hosted a boo’d up version of the pre-show featuring amazing performances of Tiana Major9, Skip Marley and Infinity Song before the main event.
2. Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell’s Celebration Of Black Girl Magic
One of the original dynamic duos in our culture allowed Black Girl Magic to shine by letting Saniya Antoinette Lane to sit in on their opening number. They also clapped back at the cameraman for crossing the six foot barrier.
3. Jazmine Sullivan’s Segregated Set
Jazmine Sullivan set the stage on fire with a civil rights inspired performance of her singles “Lost One” and “Pick Up Your Feelings.” The star went all out with the theme, emerging from a colored-only dressing room and rocking a full vintage look complete with Twiggy style lashes.
4. The P-Valley Pop-Up
We miss spending our Sunday nights at The Pynk but we were pleasantly surprised to see our Uncle Clifford (Nicco Annan) and good sis Mercedes (Brandee Evans) glammed up on stage.
5. Monica’s Lady Of Soul Acceptance Speech
During her speech for the prestigious Lady of Soul honor, where she lovingly thanked her three kids and dedicated team, Monica touched on our national sorrows by reminding us about the need for criminal justice reform. The preteen Miss Thang has matured into a grown woman full of poise and compassion. We love to see it!
5. The Soul Cypher
Stokley (of Mint Condition), Chanté Moore, Shanice and PJ Morton served up vocal range in the soul cypher. They also tipped their hats to former Soul Train Awards host and Lady of Soul honoree Erkyah Badu by freestyling over the “Love Of My Life” as the cypher.
And can we agree Chanté Moore gets another round of applause for those flawless tresses, ageless beauty and crystal clear vocals. Ma’am!
6. Ella Mai’s Homage To Janet Jackson
The singer and her dancer tapped into Jackson’s style for a moving performance of the single “Not Another Love Love Song.”
7. Brandy’s Crossing The “Borderline”
The Soul Train Certified Award Winner sang down while performing one of our favorite tracks from B7. Who wouldn’t give her their heart after hearing those runs?
