The Soul Train Awards 2013
The Soul Train Awards 2013 was a star-studded, roof-raising telecast on BET. This year the program was pre-taped in Las 
Vegas, and Anthony Anderson was the host and conductor.
While giving plenty of Soul Train flavor, the broadcast was jam-packed with one outstanding performance after another; starting with Jennifer Hudson, looking and sounding fabulous, joined by Evelyn “Champagne” King singing one of her hits, and Chaka Khan performing “Love What You Do.” T.I came out and brought his rap swagger to the mix, and that was just the opening performance!
Not to be outdone, Anthony Anderson did a dance mash-up with male back-up dancers before switching to female dancers. He did a little twerking and then a split that may have changed his manhood for life, but he picked it up and kept it moving.
Anthony then introduced Bill Bellamy and Vivica A. Fox to announce the first award of the evening for Best New Artist, and the award went to K. Michelle. Go, girl!
Janelle Monae took the stage to introduce Wale and Sam Dew mixing it up with their unique blend of hip hop.
Michelle Willams announced the nominees for the Best Collaboration on an Album Award, and the winners were Robin Thicke, I.T., and Pharrell for Blurred Lines. T. I. accepted the trophy for the group and thanked everyone who supported them.
When Alicia Quarles and Wolf Blitzer took the stage, Blitzer was very funny trying to speak hip, but they came to introduce the Blue-Eyed Soul Singers. Wolf introduced this medley which began with Jon B., everyone’s blue-eyed soul singer from the ’90s, but what would this segment be without Vanilla Ice? Well, Vanilla Ice performed, Ice, Ice Baby and he hasn’t lost it; “Word to Your Mother.”
Next up, Tyrese and Tank brought K. Michelle to the stage to belt out her latest hit, “Very Special.” Anthony and his sue-do singing group, “Lustacy” made a comical appearance – one wearing shorts, and Anthony in see-through pants. 
Actor Boris Kodjoe announced that the Best Female R&B Artist Award is now renamed to the Chaka Kahn Best Female R&B Artist Award. Chaka thanked the Soul Train Awards for the honor and announced the nominees. The winner was Tamar Braxton. How exciting for Tamar. Her album is differently a winner. She shed real tears at the podium, but she pulled it together enough to thank all the important people in her life. “Point Blank and a Period.”
Kandi Burruss and George Benson announced the Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award, and Tamar did it again! She won with co-writer Shawn Daniels. Tamar had a great night.
Ashanti and Eddie Levert came to announce the Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award. Keith Sweat was honored with this prestigious award. He then performed a medley of his greatest hits and was joined by Faith Evans.
Anthony hopped a ride to the Cirque du Soleil show in a Michael Jackson jacket to join their Michael Jackson stage show. It was just a glimpse of the incredible performers in that show. Anthony gave a behind the scenes look and got a quick moment to hit their stage.
Idris Elba, star of “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” introduced a clip from that soon-to-be-released film based on the autobiography of South African President Nelson Mandela. He also announced the nominees for Music Video of the Year, and the winner was Janelle Monae featuring Erykah Badu.
Best Hip-Hip Song of the Year Award went to Wale, followed by Toni Braxton and Baby Face Edmonds introducing her sister Tamar Braxton’s performance of a medley of songs from her album “Love and War.” Didn’t see any usual shots of Vincent.
The Awards highlighted the year in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop music while giving honors to several music icons. Debbie Allen and David Foster presented Dionne Warwick with the Legend Award, followed by a musical tribute of her 
hits performed by Ronald Isley, Chrisette Michele, Candice Glover, Ruben Studdard, Gladys Knight, Eric Benet, Kenny Lattimore, Bobby V., and Eddie Levert.
Dionne then graciously took the stage to pounding applause as she hugged her trophy and thanked them “for the love in this room.”
Mario Van Peoples had a moment and Warren G performed his classic, followed by Doug E. Fresh dancing down the aisles showing people how to do the Doug E.
Next came Big Daddy Kane. The originals never go out of style. He really brought it before throwing it to Slick Rick.
“Six Minutes Doug E. Fresh You’re On.” Old school Hip-Hop at it’s best.
And what would The Soul Train Awards be without the Soul Train Line to end the program?
To see all the highlights of The Soul Train Awards 2013 click here.
“Love, Peace and Soul”
“It’s Going to be a Stone-Gas Honey.”
Rest in Peace Don Cornelius
Tanya Hart
