‘Soul Train Awards’ Emerge From Limbo, Returning This Fall
What's happening
The Soul Train Awards are making a comeback this November after a period of absence, with BET, CBS, and other networks set to broadcast the ceremony. The awards show, which honors the legacy of the iconic Soul Train music program, is returning to television.
Who's involved
BET (Black Entertainment Television), a cable network targeting Black American audiences that launched in 1980 and evolved into a full cable channel by 1982, is leading the effort alongside CBS and several other broadcast partners. The awards celebrate the legacy of Soul Train, the legendary musical variety show that ran nationally in syndication from 1971 to 2006 and featured R&B, soul, and hip hop artists.
Why it matters
The return of the Soul Train Awards restores a major platform for recognizing Black artists and entertainment industry figures after the ceremony had been sidelined. This revival signals renewed commitment from major media companies to celebrate African American musical and cultural contributions at a dedicated awards ceremony.
The story
After years in limbo, the Soul Train Awards are set to make their triumphant return this fall, with BET, CBS, and several other networks announcing plans to broadcast the ceremony in November. According to Rolling Stone, the multi-network partnership represents a significant moment for one of Black entertainment's most storied institutions.
The Soul Train Awards draw their lineage from Soul Train, the groundbreaking musical variety program that fundamentally shaped American television and popular music. Created by Don Cornelius, who served as the show's first and longest-serving host, Soul Train aired nationally in syndication from October 1971 to March 2006, spanning 35 years of performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists. The awards ceremony itself emerged as a natural extension of that legacy, celebrating excellence within the genres and communities the original show championed.
The show's absence from the television landscape prompted questions from longtime fans and industry observers about its future. The announcement of its return on multiple major networks demonstrates confidence in both the awards' cultural relevance and their appeal to contemporary audiences. BET, as a network specifically built around Black American entertainment and culture since its 1980 launch, represents a natural home for the ceremony.
The November air date positions the Soul Train Awards within the busy fall awards season, where it will join other major entertainment industry celebrations. The involvement of CBS and multiple other networks suggests the ceremony will receive broad distribution, potentially reaching audiences beyond traditional cable viewers.
The revival comes at a moment when major media companies have increased focus on programming that celebrates Black cultural achievements and traditions. The Soul Train Awards' return provides a dedicated platform for recognizing artists and industry figures while maintaining a direct connection to the pioneering spirit of the original Soul Train program that first brought these performances to national television.