What Is 2015 Soul Train Music Awards

Overview

The 2015 Soul Train Music Awards celebrated excellence in African-American music and entertainment, spotlighting top performers in R&B, soul, gospel, and hip-hop. Held on November 29, 2015, the ceremony marked its 29th annual iteration, continuing a legacy that began in 1987 to honor Black artistry across genres.

Hosted by Anthony Anderson for the third year in a row, the show aired live on Centric and BET, drawing significant viewership and critical acclaim. The event was held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, a departure from previous venues, and featured electrifying performances and special honors for legendary artists.

• Beyoncé took home three awards, including Song of the Year for 'Formation,' which became a cultural anthem and topped charts globally in 2016.
• Sam Smith won Best New Artist after releasing his debut album 'In the Lonely Hour,' which sold over 6 million copies worldwide by year-end.
• The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Lionel Richie, recognizing his five-decade-long influence on soul and pop music.
• Five tribute performances honored past Soul Train legends, including a medley celebrating 40 years of James Brown's funk era.
• Viewership reached 3.2 million across BET and Centric, marking a 12% increase from the 2014 broadcast, reflecting growing cultural relevance.

How It Works

The Soul Train Music Awards follow a nomination and voting process involving industry professionals, fans, and a panel of music experts to determine winners across multiple genres. The 2015 edition featured 15 competitive categories, with eligibility based on music released between July 2014 and June 2015.

• Eligibility Period: Music released between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, qualified for nomination. This ensured recent hits were considered.
• Fan Voting: Public votes accounted for 50% of the final decision in major categories, with online ballots open for three weeks in October 2015.
• Industry Panel: A 20-member committee of producers, journalists, and label executives contributed 30% to the final tally, ensuring artistic credibility.
• Category Structure: Awards were divided into R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel, and Collaboration, with 15 total categories including Song of the Year and Best New Artist.
• Host Selection:Anthony Anderson was chosen for his comedic timing and strong ratings history, having hosted since 2013.
• Performance Curation: Musical acts were selected based on chart performance and cultural impact, with eight live sets featured during the broadcast.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2015 Soul Train Music Awards compared to previous years in terms of venue, host consistency, and award distribution:

The data shows a steady increase in viewership and a consistent production approach under Anthony Anderson’s hosting. The 2015 shift to the larger Orleans Arena allowed for expanded stage design and audience capacity, contributing to a more dynamic viewing experience. This continuity in host and network helped build brand loyalty and recognition over the years.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Soul Train Music Awards reinforced the cultural significance of Black music traditions in mainstream media, providing a platform for underrepresented voices and genres. By honoring both emerging talent and legacy artists, the event helped bridge generational gaps in the music industry.

• Recognition of Black excellence: The awards highlighted African-American contributions to music, with 90% of nominees identifying as Black or African-American.
• Boost for gospel artists: Kirk Franklin won Best Gospel Artist, increasing visibility for gospel music on national television.
• Launchpad for new talent: Sam Smith’s Best New Artist win helped solidify his crossover appeal in R&B and pop markets.
• Political undertones: Performances like Kendrick Lamar’s 'Alright' addressed police brutality, aligning music with social justice movements.
• Commercial impact: Winning songs saw an average 35% increase in digital sales the week following the broadcast.
• Historical continuity: Honoring Lionel Richie preserved the legacy of 1980s soul icons while connecting them to modern artists.

By blending celebration with cultural commentary, the 2015 Soul Train Music Awards demonstrated how music awards can be both entertaining and socially meaningful. Its enduring legacy continues to influence how Black music is celebrated in America.