A young and fresh-faced Alicia Keys took the stage at the 2002 Soul Train Awards for a spectacularly piano-centric performance. She’d won the award for Best R&B Soul Album (Songs In A MInor) and the trophy for Best R&B for “Fallin,” so she was already amped at the moment. Sitting comfortably behind her instrument, she belted to the heavens in ways that only she can.
 

Near the beginning of her career, Tinashe established herself as an R&B superstar when she took the stage at the 2014 Soul Train Awards. Performing her debut single “2 On” followed by “Pretend,” she offered a glimpse at the future of R&B as she glided around the stage with a knowing grin on her face.

Miguel took home the trophy for Best R&B/Soul Male Artist at the 2012 Soul Train Awards and his performance of “Adorn” let the world know exactly why he deserved the award. The crowd vibed to the passionate tune as he serenaded the with the greatest grace that you can imagine.

Love can make you feel weak in the knees, woozy even. That effect is hard to replicate in just lyrics, so Queen Naija did her best to explore it with her 2019 performance of “Good Morning Text” at the Soul Train Awards. She utilized hazy lights and a funhouse setup onstage to disorient the viewer and let them know of love’s toxicity.
 

It’s so hard to believe that there was a time when Rick Ross was just the protege of rap and not its biggest boss. When he came into the game in 2006 with “Hustlin,” he was proving himself to be a rapper obsessed with making it to the top. He showcased this intense focus at the 2007 Soul Train Awards when he performed on stage while hopping out the back of a truck that was also on stage. He created an unforgettable moment without perhaps even realizing.