What Is 2010 Soul Train Music Awards

Overview

The 2010 Soul Train Music Awards marked the 24th installment of the prestigious music ceremony celebrating excellence in R&B, soul, gospel, and hip-hop music. Broadcast live from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, the event honored artists whose work defined the year in Black music and culture.

Hosted by comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer, the night featured high-energy performances, tributes, and award presentations. The show aired on CENTRIC, a network dedicated to African American audiences, and highlighted both rising stars and legendary figures in the music industry.

• Alicia Keys received the Soul Train Legend Award for her enduring contributions to music and artistry over more than a decade.
• The ceremony was taped on November 14, 2010, and later broadcast to national audiences, capturing peak performances from top artists.
• Usher led the nominations with five nods, including for Song of the Year and Best R&B Artist.
• Raymond Braun served as executive producer, continuing the legacy of Don Cornelius, who created the original Soul Train series.
• The event paid tribute to Teena Marie, who passed away in December 2010, with a special memorial segment honoring her impact on soul music.

How It Works

The Soul Train Music Awards operate as an annual recognition system for Black music and culture, combining fan voting with industry input to determine winners across multiple genres.

• Eligibility Period: Artists must have released music between October 1, 2009, and September 30, 2010 to qualify for consideration in the 2010 awards.
• Voting Process: Winners are determined by a combination of fan votes online and input from a panel of music industry experts and journalists.
• Categories: Awards are given in 14 distinct categories, including Best New Artist, Song of the Year, and Best Gospel/Inspirational.
• Host Selection: Cedric the Entertainer was chosen for his comedic timing and deep roots in African American entertainment culture.
• Performance Curation: Live acts are selected based on chart performance, cultural relevance, and audience appeal to maximize viewer engagement.
• Broadcast Strategy: The event aired on CENTRIC, a network targeting adults 25–54, ensuring alignment with the core demographic of Soul Train’s legacy.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards compared to previous and future editions in key areas:

The 2010 edition continued a shift toward Atlanta as a cultural hub for Black music, while maintaining the show’s tradition of honoring both legacy artists and contemporary hitmakers. The move to CENTRIC reflected a strategic repositioning to reach mature audiences, differentiating it from BET’s younger-skewing programming.

Why It Matters

The 2010 Soul Train Music Awards played a vital role in preserving and promoting African American musical heritage while spotlighting innovation in modern genres. By blending fan engagement with artistic recognition, the event reinforced the cultural significance of soul and R&B music in the digital age.

• Alicia Keys’ Legend Award affirmed her status as a generational talent, joining an elite group of artists honored by the show.
• The tribute to Teena Marie highlighted the industry’s respect for crossover artists who expanded the boundaries of soul music.
• Usher’s dominance in nominations underscored his comeback success following the release of his album Raymond v. Raymond.
• The broadcast on CENTRIC signaled a shift toward more mature, culturally focused programming within Black entertainment media.
• Atlanta’s selection as host city emphasized its growing influence as a center for hip-hop and R&B production.
• The show’s format helped bridge generations of music fans, connecting classic Soul Train roots with modern performance styles.

Ultimately, the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards served as both a celebration and a cultural barometer, reflecting the evolving landscape of Black music while honoring its enduring legacy.