2011 Soul Train Awards Recap: Chris Brown, Beyonce, Rihanna, More
Brown, who had five nominations going in, avoided going home empty handed by winning ‘Album of the Year’ for his latest release ‘F.A.M.E.’ The “Strip” star beat out Beyonce's ‘4,’ Trey Songz's ‘Passion, Pain & Pleasure,’ Adele's ‘21,’ Jill Scott's 'The Light of the Sun,’ and Jay-Z & Kanye West's ‘Watch the Throne’ to claim the title.
Brown’s ex-girlfriend Rihanna took home ‘Best Caribbean Performance’ for her hit single "Man Down" but lost in the category of ‘Best Dance Performance’ to Beyonce Knowles.
“Motivation” landed Kelly Rowland her first solo Soul Train Award for ‘Song of the Year,’ while Marsha Ambrosius took home ‘Record of the Year’ for her touching single “Far Away.”
Other winners included Miguel (Best New Artist), Cee-Lo Green (Best Male R&B and Soul), Mary Mary (Best Gospel Performance) and Jill Scott (Best Female R&B and Soul Artist).
During the celebration, the event paid tribute to late 90’s rapper Heavy D, with performance by Naughty by Nature, Doug E. Fresh, Kurtis Blow and Goodie Mob, who ended their set with: "We got nothing but love for you, Heavy!"
Additionally, Gladys Knight and Earth, Wind & Fire were honored during the event. Natalie Cole, Robin Thicke, Eric Benet, Marsha Ambrosius, Tamar Braxton and Bootsy Collins were among those who took part in honoring the music vets.
Winners List:
• Best New Artist: Miguel
• Best Male R&B and Soul: Cee-Lo Green
• Best Caribbean Performance: Rihanna - "Man Down"
• Best Gospel Performance: Mary Mary - "Walking"
• Album of the Year: Chris Brown - "F.A.M.E."
• Best Hip-Hop Song: Nicki Minaj - "Moment for Life"
• Best Female R&B and Soul Artist: Jill Scott
• Song of the Year: Kelly Rowland - "Motivation"
• Record of the Year (Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award): Marsha Ambrosius - "Far Away"
• Best Dance Performance: Beyonce Knowles - "Run the World (Girls)"
• Best Traditional Jazz Album: Cassandra Wilson
• Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Dave Koz