Being awarded a Soul Train Music Award is a crowning achievement for many recording artists. The pageantry and spectacle of the annual event is comparable to a coronation; attendees don their most immaculate attire to hail praises to performers and would-be winners. But of those men and women whose names appear etched in awards ballots, which should be considered the King and Queen of this Royal engagement?
Last year the incomparable Usher Raymond was not to be denied, taking honors for Album of the Year (Raymond Vs Raymond) while tying Trey Songz for Best Male R&B/Soul Artist (and we can’t forget Usher also claimed #1 on SoulTrain.com’s Top 10 Dance Tracks of 2010 list with “DJ Got Us Falling In Love”).
This year controversial chart-topper Chris Brown will enter the ceremony with 5 nominations, including Album of the Year. The hit-making entertainer appeared on dance, hip hop, pop, and R&B charts thanks to his flaming fourth album F.A.M.E. and smash singles “Look At Me Now” and “Beautiful People”. Like Usher, Brown will have a red hot Songz to contend with.
Megastars Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Mary J. Blige have made careers of Soul Train Awards dominance, but their alternating turns with the throne may see them removed from their decade of musical chairs.
 Buy The Best of Soul Train on iTunes |
Powerful soul singer Adele, the stylishly smooth-voiced Marsha Ambrosius, and the globally popular Rihanna are laying legitimate claims to all top prizes – with 9 nominations between them. These three women who continue to consistently deliver anthemic hits equally represent the present and future of the recording industry… in their own separate ways.
While Rihanna boasts experience and a much deeper catalog of hits, her current crop isn’t a stand-alone among enticing audible fruits. None would argue the fact Adele and Ambrosius are more ripe vocally. Their sweet gripping voices have millions biting their nails and tongues. A clear Queen is not easy to see when peering the direction of this trifecta of talent, so don’t be surprised if Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Roland, boasting 3 nominations, sneaks in under the line of sight to take this year’s crown as biggest female winner.
In plain sight stands a tapestry of talented entertainers. Each one of them has contributed vivid and colorful music to a number of Soul Train Awards categories. The event will certainly be another regal affair.
Who do you think will be 2011 Soul Train Awards’ King and Queen?
Tell us here on SoulTrain.com or tweet us your thoughts on Twitter @SoulTrain.
–Mr. Joe Walker
Mr. Joe Walker is an entertainment and news journalist published thousands of times regionally, nationally, internationally, and online. Loves to create, loves that you read. Follow him on Twitter @mrjoewalker.
