The Soul Train Awards Nominees Are In, and Fans Decide the Winners in Two New Categories!

The 2026 Soul Train Awards are set to mark a significant evolution by empowering fans to determine winners in two new categories, underscoring a closer connection between audiences and the celebrated R&B genre. For the first time in the awards’ history, public voting will decide recipients of the R&B/Soul Song of the Year and the newly established Spotify RNB X International Artist awards.

BET announced the nominees and opened fan voting on October 5, with polls available through October 16. The R&B/Soul Song of the Year contenders include a diverse mix of prominent artists whose works have shaped the musical landscape over the past year. Names such as Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown featuring Bryson Tiller, Daniel Caesar, and Justin Bieber headline the list, alongside rising stars like Olivia Dean, Tems, and Tyla. This category honors songs that have achieved notable streaming success and cultural resonance, reflecting their impact beyond commercial metrics.

In parallel, Spotify’s partnership brings the RNB X International Artist category to the forefront, celebrating talents that are expanding R&B’s boundaries on a global scale. This category highlights artists like Cleo Sol, FLO, kwn, Odeal, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Tems, and Tiana Major9. Fans can stream these nominees directly within the Spotify app, casting votes and sharing their favorite picks, blending music discovery with interactive engagement.

Complementing these new additions, fans are also invited to participate in ranking the 20 Greatest R&B Songs of the 2020s. Beginning with a curated list of 64 tracks, listeners can vote once daily to determine which songs will compose this definitive decade-spanning list. The final countdown will be unveiled on the night of the awards during the Soul Train Awards Red Carpet Show, which is available for streaming on YouTube and Facebook ahead of the main broadcast.

This shift towards fan involvement signifies BET’s commitment to revitalizing the Soul Train legacy while embracing contemporary modes of audience participation. The awards ceremony, scheduled for November 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, will be broadcast simultaneously across multiple networks including BET, CBS, BET Her, VH1, MTV2, and LOGO, maximizing accessibility for diverse viewers.

The Soul Train Awards carry a profound historical significance. Originating from the groundbreaking television program created by Don Cornelius in 1971, Soul Train was a pioneering platform that showcased a wide spectrum of Black musical artistry and dance culture. Although the original show concluded in 2006 after a record-breaking run, its cultural imprint endures, especially through the iconic dance line that continues to inspire American dance floors today.

Since acquiring the Soul Train brand in 2016, BET has undertaken efforts to honor the heritage while injecting fresh energy into the awards ceremony. This year’s fan-voted categories exemplify the network’s initiative to connect traditional recognition with modern fan interactivity, reflecting the evolving dynamics of music consumption in the digital age.

The production of the 2026 awards is led by Jesse Collins Entertainment, a company known for high-profile music events and specials. Executive producers Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay bring extensive experience to the project, promising a show that honors Soul Train’s legacy while spotlighting current and global R&B innovation.

Spotify’s involvement signals the increasing importance of streaming platforms in shaping music culture and audience engagement. With its vast user base and curated playlists like RNB X, Spotify plays a pivotal role in amplifying artists across borders, an aspect reflected in the International Artist category and its voting format.

While details on performers and honorees remain forthcoming, the announced fan involvement and the diverse nominee lineup signal a Soul Train Awards ceremony that embraces both tradition and transformation. By integrating fan votes and recognizing the global reach of R&B, the awards aim to celebrate the genre’s past, present, and future with renewed relevance and inclusivity, according to thefutoncritic.com.