2023 Soul Train Awards Nominees

The 2023 Soul Train Awards, presented by BET, are poised to celebrate the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop, with a dazzling array of nominees that span industry legends and emerging stars. Scheduled for November 26, the awards will take place in Los Angeles, marking a night of recognition for artists who have shaped the musical landscape.

Leading the nominations are SZA, Usher, and Summer Walker, each with nine nods, showcasing their significant impact on the genre over the past year. Their contributions have not only dominated the charts but also resonated deeply with fans worldwide.

In the Best New Artist category, the competition is fierce, with talents like Ambré, Ayra Starr, and Coco Jones, among others, vying for the title. The Certified Soul Award features a mix of seasoned artists such as Anthony Hamilton, Ashanti, and Usher, highlighting their enduring appeal and soulful artistry.

The Album of the Year category is stacked with powerful projects, including Janelle Monáe’s “The Age Of Pleasure,” Ari Lennox’s “age/sex/location,” and SZA’s “SOS,” each offering a unique narrative and sound. The Song of the Year nominations echo the albums’ success, with tracks like “Kill Bill” by SZA and “Good Good” by Usher, Summer Walker, and 21 Savage.

The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award will honor the creative forces behind the year’s most memorable songs, while the Best Dance Performance category promises to spotlight the artists who brought dynamic energy to the stage.

With a new location and a lineup of stellar nominees, the 2023 Soul Train Awards are set to be a memorable event, celebrating the artists who continue to push the boundaries of R&B and soul music. See full nomination list below:

Category	Nominees/Entries
Best New Artist	Ambré Ayra Starr Coco Jones Doechii FLO Fridayy Tyla WanMor
Certified Soul Award	Anthony Hamilton Ashanti Ciara Eric Bellinger Monica PJ Morton Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers T-Pain Usher
Best Gospel/Inspirational Award	Shirley Caesar – “All Of The Glory” Kirk Franklin – “All Things” Fridayy Feat. Maverick City Music & My Mom – “Came Too Far” Koryn Hawthorne – “Cry” Erica Campbell – “Feel Alright (Blessed)” Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine – “God Problems” H.E.R. – “The Journey” Kirk Franklin – “Try Love”
Best R&B/Soul Female Artist	Ari Lennox Beyoncé Coco Jones H.E.R. Janelle Monáe Summer Walker SZA Victoria Monét
Best R&B/Soul Male Artist	6LACK Babyface Brent Faiyaz Burna Boy Chris Brown Eric Bellinger October London Usher
Best Group	dvsn FLO Jagged Edge Kool & The Gang Maverick City Music Phony Ppl Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers Tank And The Bangas WanMor
Album of the Year	Janelle Monáe, The Age Of Pleasure Ari Lennox, age/sex/location Summer Walker, CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP Babyface, Girls Night Out (Extended) Burna Boy, I Told Them… Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II SZA, SOS Coco Jones, What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe)
Song of the Year	October London – “Back To Your Place Toosii – “Favorite Song” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good” Coco Jones – “ICU” SZA – “Kill Bill” Janelle Monáe – “Lipstick Lover” Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” SZA – “Snooze”
The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award	October London – “Back To Your Place Toosii – “Favorite Song” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good” Coco Jones – “ICU” SZA – “Kill Bill” Janelle Monáe – “Lipstick Lover” Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage – Sittin’ On Top Of The World” SZA – “Snooze”
Best Dance Performance	Ciara Feat. Summer Walker – “Better Thangs” Usher – “Boyfriend” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good” Ciara & Chris Brown – “How We Roll” Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” SZA – “Snooze” Chris Brown – “Summer Too Hot” Chris Brown – “Under The Influence”
Video of the Year	October London – “Back To Your Place PinkPantheress & Ice Spice – “Boy’s A Liar, Pt. 2” Usher – “Boyfriend” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good” Coco Jones – “ICU” SZA – “Kill Bill” Janelle Monáe – “Lipstick Lover” Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” Lizzo – “Special”
Best Collaboration	Beyoncé Feat. Kendrick Lamar – “America Has A Problem (Remix)” PinkPantheress & Ice Spice – “Boy’s A Liar, Pt. 2” Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, Diddy Feat. 21 Savage – “Creepin’ (Remix)” FLO Feat. Missy Elliott – “Fly Girl” Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good” Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage – “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” Lizzo feat. SZA – “Special (Remix)” Summer Walker, J. Cole – To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug)”