Soul Train Music Awards 2012

Tonight I was a part of history and attend the taping of the Soul Train Music Awards Show for 2012 held in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Hotel.  I was given tickets to attend this show and felt very lucky indeed.  You can watch the show too during Thanksgiving weekend on November 25th on BET.  Be sure to check it out.  Friday night (tonight) same location is a comedy show and then Saturday (tomorrow) is an additional concert featuring many of those who performed tonight, but tickets are available to the public for this show. 

The Red Carpet was out in front of the Planet Hollywood right on The Vegas Strip and it was great fun to see out there too!  Then it was inside for the show.

When that animated Sooooouuuuul Train came chugging on the big screen I new I had arrived in a flash back to The 70's!  They needed more seat fillers so my daughter and friend jumped at that chance.  I've done it before in Hollywood and it is a fun experience.  She was able to see the whole show from the second row and sat by Magic Johnson, 2 Chainz, Fantasia, and more.  I highly recommend going that way but this time I sat back with the gang and my son, who's birthday was at midnight!

Another note about going to live tapings of shows.  It takes a lot longer and things will be cut out when you watch the show on TV.  They also had a very funny comedian talking during the commercial breaks, which is when they would rearrange sets, people, etc.  Fun to watch!

The host was Cedric the Entertainer and here he is pictured with the Fabulous, and nicest guy ever, Mr. Eddie Levert, who also performed.  Who else performed tonight?  It was more like, who didn't perform!  That is the GREAT thing about attending an Awards Show, you get to see many different artist in one room and on one night.  I've been to a few of them and it doesn't matter what type of music, there will be so many famous people at it that you will be blown away.  You never get to see this many people in concert at one time.  On top of that you have many more entertainers and personalities presenting each award.  I highly recommend going to one if you ever get the chance.

Let me mention a few more of the performers that were singing here tonight.  Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Levert, Tyrese, Tank, Genuine, Anthony Haliton, 2 Chainz, Doug E Fresh, Miguel, Jamie Foxx, Estelle, John Legend, Charlie Wilson, Elle Varner, Leah Labelle, NeYo, Keyshia Cole and more!  You'll have to tune in to the show to see it all for yourself.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honored the group New Edition tonight.  I loved hearing each of them tell stories of their humble beginnings during their acceptance speech.  Some 20 years ago they joined a talent competition to stay busy while living in The Projects of Boston.  They won that competition and split their $10 prize evenly and were proud.  This was only the beginning.  They tell of their earnings from the first record label, which was $500 and a VCR and they were on their way.  I was amazed as they sang songs for us tonight, how they are just as good and talented and energetic as ever!  That's raw talent.  Well I must say that everyone who performed tonight had the same talents.

I loved the words spoken by the son of the legendary Mr. Don Cornelius in giving tribute to the man who brought SOUL to all of us.  In the 1970's he was the coolest guy around.  He brought true talent to the people and I myself sat in front of my TV every Saturday morning to watch the latest dance moves and listen to the newest artist and their songs.

The evening ended when the One and Only Legend named Stevie Wonder graced us with his presence!  Not only was he there but he sang 3 songs for us and all I can say is WOW!  He has got the be the most talented man of all time!  Just to highlight how real this show was.  I smiled during a Stevie Wonder song as 2 Chainz stood in the front row at his seat, fingers in the air, and was genuinely dancing to Stevie's song.  It was priceless.  Everyone was just there having a good time.  Brother to brother.  Black and white.  Famous and common people standing shoulder to shoulder all dancing to the same beat.  Thanks so some VERY talented performers, Oh what a BEAT it was!  As Don would say, at the end of every show...  I leave you with Peace, Love & Soouuul!


Have you ever been to a show such as this?  I'd love to hear all about it!