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