What Is 2018 Soul Train Music Awards

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Soul Train Music Awards honored the best in R&B, hip-hop, and gospel music, airing on November 25, 2018, from Las Vegas. Hosted by comedian and actor Anthony Anderson, the ceremony celebrated artists like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and H.E.R.

Key Facts

The 2018 Soul Train Music Awards aired on November 25, 2018, from the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Anthony Anderson returned as host for the third consecutive year.
Beyoncé won the most awards with three, including Song of the Year for 'God's Plan'.
The event honored Aretha Franklin with a tribute following her passing in August 2018.
H.E.R. won Best New Artist and Songstress of the Year at the ceremony.

Overview

The 2018 Soul Train Music Awards celebrated the most influential artists in R&B, soul, hip-hop, and gospel music over the past year. Held on November 25, 2018, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the event was broadcast live on BET and featured performances, tributes, and high-energy acceptance speeches.

The ceremony honored legacy and contemporary talent alike, marking its 32nd annual edition with a vibrant showcase of Black music and culture. With a focus on artistry and impact, the awards highlighted both commercial success and cultural resonance across genres.

Host:Anthony Anderson hosted for the third straight year, bringing his signature humor and charisma to the stage.
Air Date: The show aired live on November 25, 2018, marking a shift from its traditional November Sunday slot.
Venue: The ceremony took place at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, a departure from previous years held in Atlanta.
Tribute: A special segment honored Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, who passed away in August 2018.
Top Winner:Beyoncé took home three awards, including Song of the Year and The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award.

How It Works

The Soul Train Music Awards are determined through a combination of industry input and fan voting, with categories reflecting both artistic excellence and popularity. The selection process emphasizes cultural relevance and musical innovation within Black music traditions.

Eligibility Period:Releases between July 2017 and June 2018 were considered for nomination, ensuring timely recognition of recent work.
Nominations: A panel of music industry experts and BET executives selected nominees across 15 categories.
Fan Voting: Fans could vote online for eight categories, including Best New Artist and Best R&B/Soul Male Artist.
Selection Committee: For non-voted awards, a committee of 30+ music professionals reviewed finalists to determine winners.
Category Criteria: Awards like Best Gospel Album required full-length releases with at least 50% original gospel content.
Performance Selection: Artists were invited based on chart performance, cultural impact, and album release timing in 2018.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 Soul Train Awards stood out compared to recent editions in terms of location, honorees, and award distribution. Below is a comparison with the 2017 and 2019 ceremonies:

Category	2017 Awards	2018 Awards	2019 Awards
Host	Anthony Anderson	Anthony Anderson	Anthony Anderson
Location	Orleans Arena, Las Vegas	Orleans Arena, Las Vegas	Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
Top Winner	Chris Brown (2 awards)	Beyoncé (3 awards)	Lizzo (3 awards)
Special Tribute	Nelson Mandela Centennial	Aretha Franklin	90s R&B Era
Fan Voting Categories	7	8	8

This table shows consistency in hosting and venue, but a shift in tribute focus and winner diversity. The 2018 edition emphasized legacy artists more than previous years, particularly through its homage to Aretha Franklin.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Soul Train Music Awards reinforced the cultural significance of Black music in mainstream entertainment, spotlighting both rising stars and legendary figures. By blending fan engagement with expert judgment, the awards maintained credibility while staying accessible to the public.

Cultural Impact: The tribute to Aretha Franklin highlighted her enduring influence on soul and gospel music.
Artist Recognition:H.E.R. winning Best New Artist signaled industry confidence in her long-term potential.
Fan Engagement: Expanding fan voting to eight categories increased audience participation and social media buzz.
Genre Inclusion: The awards gave significant space to gospel and hip-hop, reflecting current trends.
Platform for New Talent: Performances by SZA, Ella Mai, and Migos introduced emerging acts to wider audiences.
Legacy Continuity: Continuing the Soul Train tradition since 1987 reinforced historical continuity in Black music celebration.

Ultimately, the 2018 ceremony balanced nostalgia with innovation, honoring the past while embracing the evolving sound of contemporary R&B and hip-hop. It remains a key annual moment for recognizing excellence in African American music and culture.