BET AND THE CITY OF CHICAGO PARTNER TO BRING THE "SOUL TRAIN AWARDS" HOME

Hosted by Anthony Anderson, CBS Presents BET's "Soul Train Awards" Airs Nov. 27 at 8 PM ET/PT

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - October 26, 2026 - BET and the City of Chicago partner to bring the "Soul Train Awards" back to the city where it all began. Hosted by Anthony Anderson, the 2026 ceremony will take place at the Harris Theater and celebrate Soul Train's enduring legacy and the city that helped launch a cultural phenomenon. The show airs Friday, Nov. 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET, marking its debut on CBS.

Long before Soul Train became a national platform for Black music, dance and style, it was a Chicago-born television show that gave Black culture a stage of its own. Rooted in the city's rich soul and R&B traditions, the program transformed the way audiences experienced Black music and movement, introducing generations of artists, dancers and trendsetters to the world. Now, the "Soul Train Awards" returns to its roots, bringing that legacy full circle in a city whose influence helped shape the sound, style and spirit of American music.

"Chicago is where the 'Soul Train' story began, and bringing the awards back to my hometown is a full-circle moment," said Louis Carr, President of BET. "Soul Train helped shape how the world experienced Black music and culture. This partnership honors the city that helped make that legacy possible and reflects BET's commitment to celebrating the people, places and cultural contributions that continue to move us forward."

"There's an energy in Chicago you just can't recreate anywhere else, and we're building this show to match it," said Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming and music strategy for BET. "Every performance and every moment will celebrate R&B and soul, from the icons who defined it to the artists leading it today."

"Chicago has always been a city where Black creativity and innovation shape music, culture and entertainment around the world," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Bringing the 'Soul Train Awards' back to its hometown is an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while creating new opportunities for local artists and entertainment professionals, supporting our small businesses and strengthening Chicago's creative economy. We're proud to welcome BET and to celebrate the Chicago roots of a cultural phenomenon that continues to influence generations."

The return of the "Soul Train Awards" reflects the City of Chicago's commitment to elevating its creative economy and amplifying the city's cultural legacy. Through the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the City supports arts and cultural programming, creates opportunities for artists and creative professionals, and advances Chicago's position as a leading destination for music, entertainment and cultural experiences.

"Chicago's music history is woven into the fabric of our city, and partnerships that elevate our cultural assets help ensure it continues to resonate with audiences around the world," said DCASE Commissioner Kenya K. Merritt. "We look forward to celebrating the lasting influence of music and the arts while connecting audiences with the creative energy, talent and cultural experiences that make Chicago unlike any other city."

Connie Orlando serves as executive producer of the "Soul Train Awards" 2026 for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as executive producers.

Performers and honorees joining this chapter of the "Soul Train" legacy will be announced in the coming weeks.

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About Soul Train

"Soul Train" was created in 1971 by visionary Don Cornelius and predominantly featured performances by R&B, pop, soul, and hip-hop artists, in addition to the occasional funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists. When the final episode of the show's historic thirty-five-year run aired in 2006, it was the longest-running first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history. "Soul Train" highlighted a cast of incredible, ethnically diverse dancers who famously introduced the world to a whole new series of dance moves and styles on a weekly basis. Cornelius opened every show welcoming the audience to "the hippest trip in America" and closed each show wishing the audience "love, peace, and soul." Today, the legacy of "Soul Train" lives on through the legendary Soul Train dance line, which has become a timeless staple on dance floors across America. In 2016, BET acquired the "Soul Train" brand and remains dedicated to revitalizing the brand while also honoring its heritage.

About BET Media Group

BET Media Group, part of Skydance TV, a flagship division of Skydance Corporation (NYSE: SKYD), is the world's largest media company rooted in community, culture, and connection for the Black community. For over four decades, BET has served as a trusted home for Black audiences, amplifying authentic stories, elevating Black voices, and creating spaces where culture thrives and community comes together.

Through a powerful portfolio of brands - including BET, BET Her, BET Studios, and VH1 - along with FAST channels such as BET Tyler Perry Comedy, BET Tyler Perry Drama, BET Comedy Movies, BET Cinema, BET Classics, BET Visionaries, BET Throwbacks, and BET Pluto, BET connects audiences across cable, digital, live events, studios, and global platforms. Together, these platforms deliver culturally resonant content that reflects the depth, creativity, and impact of the Black experience.

For more information, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For additional announcements, visit paramountpressexpress.com/bet/.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in Chicago's creative economy, and expands access to and participation in the arts throughout the city's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, DCASE engages Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, from downtown to neighborhoods across the city, to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and in communities throughout Chicago, serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports film, television and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

About Jesse Collins Entertainment

Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full-service Emmy-winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television's most memorable moments in music entertainment. JCE's award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its four divisions - specials, sports, scripted and unscripted. From the specials division, JCE has produced award shows including The Emmy Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, The 2021 and 2022 American Music Awards, The 2022 Golden Globes, BET Awards, SoulTrain Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF's An Evening of Stars and ABFF Honors; and specials including Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey, Grace For The World: Live from St. Peter's Square, A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, CNN's Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom, Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Def Comedy Jam 25 and more. From the sports division, JCE has produced projects including Beyoncé Bowl at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans NFL 2024 Christmas Game, The Super Bowl Halftime Show, The 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game Pre-Game Show, The 2025 World Series Game 1 Anthem, NFL Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show starring Jack White and Netflix's Snoop's Holiday Halftime Party. From the scripted division, JCE has produced series and miniseries including Real Husbands of Hollywood, American Soul, The New Edition Story, and The Bobby Brown Story. From the unscripted division, JCE has produced series including Heart & Hustle: Houston, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, Cardi Tries, DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic, Forward: The Future of Black Music, Hollywood Squares, Rhythm + Flow, Sunday Best, We Got Time Today, Yara Shahidi's Day Off, Face to Face with Becky G and Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices. Emmy Award winner Jesse Collins is the Founder and CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment and executive producer of all JCE programming. He is also an executive producer for the annual GRAMMY Awards and produced the 2021 Oscars. Emmy winner Dionne Harmon is President. Emmy nominee Jeannae Rouzan-Clay is Senior Vice President of Specials.