BET Puts Two Major Award Shows on Hold

The Soul Train Awards and Hip-Hop Awards, two cornerstone events celebrating Black music and culture, have been suspended by BET. The news was confirmed by BET CEO Scott Mills in an interview with Billboard published August 5.

“So for BET linear, we have suspended the Soul Train and Hip-Hop award shows,” Mills said, adding that the network is exploring new ways to present the events in the future.
“They aren’t gone,” he emphasized.

Mills explained that a dedicated team is actively considering where these award shows might “best live” as the media climate shifts, signaling that a format change or new platform could be on the horizon.

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The Legacy of the Soul Train Awards

First launched in 1987 by Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, the Soul Train Awards have honored achievements in Black music for nearly four decades. Initially syndicated across multiple networks, the awards found a long-term home at BET in the mid-2000s.

The most recent ceremony, held in November 2023, was hosted by Keke Palmer and featured appearances by major stars such as Janelle Monáe and T-Pain.

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What’s Next?

While BET has not provided a timeline for the shows’ return, Mills’ comments suggest they may resurface on a different platform or in a revamped format. The decision comes at a time when many media companies are reevaluating large-scale broadcast events due to shifting audience habits and rising production costs.

For now, fans of both the Soul Train and Hip-Hop Awards will have to wait to see what the future holds for two of Black music’s most beloved celebrations.

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