Beyonce leads the list of nominees for the 18th annual Soul Train Music Awards, with four. The singer/songwriter, who recently took home five Grammys, is up for best R&B/soul single, female (for “Crazy in Love”), as well as best R&B/soul album, female, and R&B/soul or rap album of the year for Columbia’s “Dangerously in Love.” Also, her “Crazy in Love” is up for the Michael Jackson Award for best R&B/soul or rap music video.
Earning three nominations is Luther Vandross. His “Dance With My Father,” which won the Grammy for song of the year, netted a nod for best R&B/soul single, male. His J Records album of the same name is up for best R&B/soul album, male, and R&B/soul or rap album of the year.
Several artists garnered two nominations, including OutKast, Erykah Badu, B2K, Anthony Hamilton, R. Kelly and the Isley Brothers featuring Ron Isley. R. Kelly’s “Chocolate Factory” (Jive) and OutKast’s “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” (Arista) will compete with Beyonce and Vandross for R&B/soul or rap album.
R&B/pop trio En Vogue announced the nominations earlier today (Feb. 19) during a press briefing at Spago restaurant in Beverly Hills.
The two-hour, nationally syndicated special will be broadcast live in some markets on March 20 from the International Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Co-hosts Alicia Keys and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will welcome special appearances by Beyonce Janet Jackson and OutKast, among others. Syndicated by Tribune Entertainment Co., the program’s broadcast window is March 20-28.
The Soul Train Music Awards recognize achievements in R&B/soul, rap/hip-hop and gospel. The voting body comprises recording artists and professionals in radio programming, retail sales and management.
