(11/11/2010) Soul Trains Awards 2010 will be the one to watch . The award show was hosted by the dapper Terrence Howard and the beautiful Taraji P. Henson. There was magic on stage (literally). Howard thought he was Copperfield and Henson was not too far behind saying her little magical sayings. At one point, she thought she was Kat Stacks attempting to give Howard’s number out on stage…LOL. Although the show didn’t start on time, it was worth the wait! R. Kelly sang songs that took folks back down memory lane. His entrance was fresh. There was a masked man in the balcony on the right and left. We didn’t know if it were Kelly it was totally unexpected. Kelly then appeared on stage masked. But when he took the mask off, he looked very divine in his black tuxedo with his red accent, and black frames. Kelly took it back when the dancers started jitterbugging wearing their lettermen sweaters and poodle skirts. It was a hell of an opening. @JazzePha tweeted “Soul Train Awards off the Chain! R.Kelly opened up wit 4 old Songs n killed that thang!”

R. Kelly had the crowd hype!

An award show wouldn’t be the same without intermission skits. Howard and Henson had an old school dance contest that was too funny. They had the ATL on the map dancing to “stanky leg” and Luda’s “How low can you go?” Keyshia Cole was there looking beautiful with her motherly glow. The first award of the night was presented by Raven Simone and Keshia Knight Pulliam which went to went to B.O.B. which Bruno Mars accepted the Song of the Year award on his behalf. Neyo did his thing with Champagne Life (but it was kinda short). He was dressed in a suit the was a cross between MLK and Michael Jackson…he was sharp honey. The best new artist award went to Melanie Fiona. She gave a very humble speech. Eric Benet , Halle Berry’s ex did his thing. I can’t tell how good he sounds. Eryakah Badu is clever in her window seat with her light distortions she used thru her performance. She had the crowd standing to their feet. Anyhow, Chrisette Michelle , joined by Tarnia and Faith Evans, paid a wonderful tribute to Anita Baker, the recipient of the Legend Award. Don’t let me forget about El Debarge serenading Anita Baker, boy I tell you real music is back. Anita let folks have it if you could read between the lines. She said, Anita Baker said, “Im so glad to see a live band and artists “Really” singing their songs LIVE!!”

Rachelle Ferrell and Kem are unquestionably two of the most dynamic talents in music. There is more to come. In the meanwhile, follow me at www.twitter.com/IamCourtneyLuv