The Soul Train Awards 2026 red carpet brought together music legends, entertainers and contemporary R&B stars as the celebrated awards show returned after a break. Chaka Khan, Common, LisaRaye McCoy, Mickey Guyton, Kirk Franklin and Muni Long were among the names featured in the red carpet coverage, highlighting the event’s connection to soul music, fashion and Black entertainment.
The 2026 ceremony has special meaning for the franchise. This year, the awards returned to Chicago, the city where Don Cornelius launched the original Soul Train television show more than five decades ago. The ceremony was taped in Chicago on November 5, with the television broadcast scheduled for November 27.
The red carpet photos offer an early look at the people and personalities connected to this year’s celebration. Chaka Khan is also a central figure in the event because she will receive the Classic Soul Honor for her lasting influence on R&B and popular music.
Chaka Khan, Common and LisaRaye McCoy Among the Red Carpet Highlights
Chaka Khan, Common and LisaRaye McCoy were among the recognizable names featured in the 2026 Soul Train Awards red carpet photo gallery. Their presence reflected the event’s mix of established music figures and entertainment personalities.
Chaka Khan holds a particularly important place in this year’s ceremony. The Chicago-born singer will receive the Classic Soul Honor, recognizing a career that has helped shape soul and R&B music across generations. Her connection to Chicago also gives the ceremony a strong hometown element.
Common’s appearance added another familiar name from the city’s entertainment and music scene. The rapper, actor and producer has built a career across music, film and television. LisaRaye McCoy, known for her work in film and television, was also among the personalities featured in the red carpet coverage.
The event’s wider guest list included country singer Mickey Guyton, gospel artist Kirk Franklin and R&B singer Muni Long. The gathering brought together performers and entertainers from different corners of the music industry, reflecting the broad cultural reach of the Soul Train brand.
Why the 2026 Soul Train Awards Return to Chicago Matters
The return of the Soul Train Awards is significant because the ceremony is closely tied to the history of the original television program. Don Cornelius launched Soul Train in Chicago in 1971. The show became an influential platform for soul, R&B, funk, disco, hip-hop and other forms of popular Black music.
For decades, Soul Train introduced audiences to emerging performers and gave established artists a national stage. Its dance line, musical performances and distinctive presentation became recognizable parts of American television culture.
The awards show grew from that legacy. Although the ceremony has been taped in different cities over the years, the 2026 edition brings the event back to the place where the original program began.
Chicago’s role is more than a location choice. It connects the current awards ceremony with the cultural history that helped make Soul Train important. The city also has a strong musical heritage, making it a fitting setting for a celebration centered on soul and R&B.
Chaka Khan to Receive the Classic Soul Honor
Chaka Khan is one of the major honorees at the 2026 Soul Train Awards. BET announced that she will receive the Classic Soul Honor, which recognizes artists whose work has made a lasting contribution to soul and R&B.
Khan first became widely known as the lead singer of the funk band Rufus. She later developed a successful solo career, earning recognition for her powerful voice and musical versatility. Her work has influenced generations of singers and musicians.
Her catalog includes well-known songs such as “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nobody” and “Through the Fire.” Her music has continued to reach audiences through radio, streaming platforms, live performances and samples used by later artists.
The honor is especially meaningful in Chicago because Khan was born in the city. Her recognition gives the 2026 ceremony a direct connection to the musical community that helped shape the Soul Train story.
BET’s announcement described Khan as a cultural icon whose influence has helped shape the sound of R&B. The Classic Soul Honor recognizes her long career rather than a single recent release or performance.
Durand Bernarr and Elmiene Also Receive Special Honors
The 2026 awards will also recognize two artists representing different parts of contemporary R&B.
Durand Bernarr will receive the Soul Personified Honor. The singer and songwriter has gained attention for his vocal ability, expressive performances and individual approach to contemporary soul. He is also scheduled to perform during the ceremony and host the red carpet special, Back on Track.
Elmiene will receive the New Soul Honor. The award recognizes a rising artist whose voice and creative work are contributing to the future of R&B. His inclusion places an emerging performer alongside established figures in a ceremony designed to celebrate both the history and continuing development of soul music.
Together, the three special honors create a generational picture of the genre. Chaka Khan represents a legacy built over decades, Durand Bernarr reflects a distinctive contemporary soul sound, and Elmiene represents the next wave of artists.
Fan-Voted Categories Bring More Audience Participation
The Soul Train Awards 2026 introduced two fan-voted categories, giving audiences a direct role in choosing winners.
The first is R&B/Soul Song of the Year. Its nominees include artists from different styles and generations of contemporary R&B and popular music.
The nominated songs are:
- “Butterflies” — Brent Faiyaz
- “I Just Might” — Bruno Mars
- “It Depends” — Chris Brown featuring Bryson Tiller
- “Who Knows” — Daniel Caesar
- “Yukon” — Justin Bieber
- “Folded” — Kehlani
- “Is It a Crime” — Mariah the Scientist featuring Kali Uchis
- “Man I Need” — Olivia Dean
- “What You Need” — Tems
- “Chanel” — Tyla
The second category is Spotify’s RNB X International Artist. It recognizes artists expanding the reach of R&B across international markets.
Its nominees are Cleo Sol, FLO, kwn, Odeal, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Tiana Major9 and Tems.
The two categories use separate voting platforms. BET.com handles voting for R&B/Soul Song of the Year, while Spotify hosts voting for its RNB X International Artist category. BET announced that the voting period ran through October 16, 2026.
The Soul Train Awards 2026 Broadcast Date and Where to Watch
The 2026 Soul Train Awards ceremony was taped in Chicago on November 5. The broadcast is scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
BET will air the ceremony, which will also be simulcast on CBS. Additional broadcast outlets announced for the event include BET Her, VH1, MTV2 and LOGO.
Anthony Anderson is hosting the awards show. The actor and comedian has previously hosted the ceremony and returns to guide this year’s celebration.
The broadcast will feature special honors, musical performances and recognition of the artists shaping R&B and soul. The red carpet coverage provides a preview of the personalities attending, while the main telecast will bring the performances and award presentations to viewers.
A Celebration of Soul Music Across Generations
The 2026 Soul Train Awards bring together several elements that have defined the franchise: legendary performers, contemporary R&B artists, entertainment personalities and a strong connection to Black music culture.
The return to Chicago gives the ceremony added historical importance. It recognizes the city where Don Cornelius began Soul Train in 1971 and reconnects the awards with the program’s original roots.
The red carpet appearances of Chaka Khan, Common, LisaRaye McCoy and other stars have helped build interest ahead of the television broadcast. Khan’s Classic Soul Honor is one of the evening’s central recognitions, while Durand Bernarr and Elmiene represent the continuing evolution of the genre.
The ceremony also gives fans a greater role through its two new voting categories. With artists from across the R&B landscape represented, the 2026 edition aims to celebrate both the music’s history and its international future.
What to Know About the Soul Train Awards 2026
When were the 2026 Soul Train Awards taped?
The ceremony was taped in Chicago on November 5, 2026.
When will the Soul Train Awards 2026 air?
The broadcast is scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Who is hosting the 2026 Soul Train Awards?
Anthony Anderson is hosting the ceremony.
Who will receive the Classic Soul Honor?
Chaka Khan will receive the Classic Soul Honor.
Who else will receive special honors?
Durand Bernarr will receive the Soul Personified Honor, while Elmiene will receive the New Soul Honor.
Which celebrities appeared in the red carpet coverage?
The supplied red carpet report features Chaka Khan, Common, LisaRaye McCoy, Mickey Guyton, Kirk Franklin, Muni Long and other entertainers.
Where can viewers watch the ceremony?
The show is scheduled to air on BET and CBS, with simulcasts on BET Her, VH1, MTV2 and LOGO.
Why is Chicago important to the 2026 event?
Don Cornelius launched the original Soul Train television show in Chicago in 1971. The 2026 awards return to the city to recognize that history.