Time flies. The Soul Train Awards pulled into Las Vegas on Nov. 6 to tape the 2015 ceremony and celebration of today’s hottest R&B/Soul stars and legendary artists. The highly-energetic show was held once again at the Orleans Arena, and was hosted by the queen of neo-soul Erykah Badu, who did a great job keeping the momentum going throughout the show.
Emerging onto the stage wearing glow-in-the-dark roller skates and flanked by skaters in similar gear, she performed a medley of her hits and informed the audience that, although she likes hip-hop, the evening’s show was going to be solely a “soul extravaganza.”
Among the evening’s highlights was an excellent tribute to Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, recipient of the Legend Award. The tribute began with an introduction by his former songwriting partner, L.A. Reid, and culminated with terrific performances by some of the artists Edmonds wrote hits for, including Tevin Campbell, Brandy, Bobby Brown, and Boyz II Men. Babyface wowed the crowd with his 1990 hit, “Whip Appeal.” Fantasia delivered a fantastic rendition of the Babyface-produced “Exhale (Shoop Shoop),” which the late Whitney Houston originally sang for the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale, and a blistering rendition of Karyn White’s 1988 hit “Superwoman.”
The funk group Cameo made an appearance to do their classics “Word Up” and “Candy,” while the R&B group After 7 appeared with Jazmine Sullivan for their classic “Ready Or Not.”
There was a great black & white video performance presentation of Eddie Levert, K-Ci, Janelle Monae and Lalah Hathaway, who called themselves Soul Cypher, performing an impromptu, soul-stirring session of songs.
Tyrese had the ladies screaming during his performance of his current hit, “Shame.” Jill Scott received the Lady of Soul Award and followed with an outstanding medley of her hits.
Jeremih sang a couple of tracks from his new album Late Nights, and the King of R&B, R. Kelly closed the show with a dynamic medley of hits including “Backyard Party,” “Your Body’s Calling,” and “Step in the Name of Love,” which had the audience up on its feet stepping in the aisles.
The 2015 Soul Train Awards airs Sunday, November 29 on the BET and Centric networks. Check out the photos below:
*Details by Stephen McMillian for SoulTrain.com / Photos via BET
