Nominees for the 2022 Soul Train Awards are finally here! This year’s ceremony is set to be hosted by comedian and Black-ish star Deon Cole, who’ll be bringing the funny for audiences when they gather in Las Vegas next month.
“Hosting the Soul Train Awards is a dream come true. I grew up watching Soul Train and ‘til this day, I’ve never met a Soul Train Line I didn’t bless with my skilled two-step,” Cole said in a statement provided to The Root. “It is truly a privilege to be given this opportunity to celebrate Don Cornelius’ legacy, all of the amazing Black talent that illuminated our screens on the iconic TV show, and my favorite genres of music: Soul, R&B and Hip Hop.”
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This year’s nominees include a handful of our faves and some first-timers so without further ado, let’s get into it!
Beyoncé
Beyoncé comes in tied at the top spot for the most nominees this year. She’s recognized in seven total categories: Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, Album of the Year (Renaissance), Song of the Year (“Break My Soul”), twice for Best Collaboration (“Make Me Say It Again, Girl” with Ronald Isley and “Move” with Grace Jones and Tems) and The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award (“Church Girl” and “Break My Soul.”)
Mary J. Blige
Tied with Beyoncé with seven nominations as well is none other than Mary J. Blige. The Good Morning Gorgeous singer is up for the Certified Soul Award, Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, Album of the Year (Good Morning Gorgeous), Song of the Year (“Good Morning Gorgeous”), The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award (“Good Morning Gorgeous”), Video of the Year (“Good Morning Gorgeous”), and Best Collaboration (“Amazing” feat. DJ Khaled).
Ari Lennox
Coming in with six nominations is our favorite Shea Butter Baby, Ari Lennox. This year, she’s up for Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, Album of the Year (Away Message EP), Song of the Year (“Pressure”), The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award (“Pressure”), Best Dance Performance (“Pressure”), and Video of the Year (“Pressure).
Lizzo
It’s about damn time! Lizzo was also recognized this year with five nominations. Why? Because she’s Special! She could take home awards for Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, Album of the Year (Special), Song of the Year, Video of the Year and Best Dance Performance for “About Damn Time.”
Chris Brown
Also coming in hot with five nominations is Mr. Breezy himself, Chris Brown. The Indigo artist is recognized for Best R&B/Soul Male Artist, Album of the Year (Breezy), Best Dance Performance (“Call Me Everyday” feat. Wizkid and “We (Warm Embrace)”) and Best Collaboration (“Call Me Everyday” feat. Wizkid).
Burna Boy
Shayooooooo! Nigerian artist Burna Boy is making waves in the Soul Train awards for the very first time this year. The popular singer/songwriter could take home awards for Song of the Year, Video of the Year, and The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award for “Last Last,” and Best R&B/Soul Male Artist.
Muni Long
Congratulations are also in order for Muni Long, who’s finally made her way out of her longstanding songwriting shadows and into the spotlight thanks to her popular songs and vocals. This year, she’s been recognized for Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Video of the Year and The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award for “Hrs and Hrs”.
Steve Lacy
Also nominated for the first time at the Soul Train Awards is none other than Steve Lacy. His popular song “Bad Habit,” which currently sits at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, is up for Song and Video of the Year as well as The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award. He’s also nominated for Best New Artist.
Other nominees this year include folks like Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars of Silk Sonic, Tems, PJ Morton, SZA, Coco Jones, Maxwell, Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Lucky Daye, Jazmine Sullivan, Chlöe and more.
The Soul Train Awards 2022, presented by BET, goes down Sunday, Nov. 27 at 8p.m. ET on BET and BET Her.
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