Overview
- BET announced the comeback on Sept. 3 and 4, saying the Soul Train Awards will air Friday, Nov. 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET on BET and for the first time simulcast on CBS and several Paramount cable outlets.
- The network says the 2026 telecast will be a condensed, taped two-hour event that honors four to five musical icons and highlights marquee performances to link past stars with today’s R&B and soul artists.
- Connie Orlando and BET outlined a reimagined voting process that removes open label submissions and limits fan voting to a small number of categories to streamline nominations and awards.
- Jesse Collins Entertainment will produce the show, Spotify will serve as the exclusive music streaming partner, Toyota is the exclusive automotive partner, and BET plans a Chicago taping at the Harris Theater on Nov. 5 for the Nov. 27 broadcast.
- The return follows a 2024–25 suspension meant to rethink awards for a streaming-first landscape and could expand the franchise’s reach by testing a shorter taped format and cross-network distribution while preserving Soul Train’s role as a platform for Black music.