Wendy Williams Hosts 2014 Soul Train Awards

Columnists, Entertainment, Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on November 27, 2014 at 5:15 am

By Kim Webster

LAS VEGAS NV – Excitement is equated with the name Wendy Williams, and she was illuminating as host of the 2014 Soul Train Awards.  The opening performance featured singer Chris Brown and his dazzling choreography followed by the beautiful operatic voice of Alyson Cambridge.    Chris Brown also received the BEST COLLABORATION and BEST HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR Awards.

Vocalist/songwriter/producer Kem performed “It’s You,” the sensual “Love Calls,” and was joined by Ledisi to perform “If It’s Love.”   BEST NEW ARTIST awardees Nico & Vinz performed their hit “Am I Wrong” and their new single “In Your Arms.”  Ladies screamed and the audience sang along as Jodeci  performed a medley of their hits including “Stay,” “Forever My Lady,” and “Come And Talk To Me”- receiving a standing ovation!

Wendy Williams lounged glamorously on a sofa speaking about the comforts of home while the stage background emitted a video of homes.  Then, a surprise- Stephanie Mills appears and “sangz” her signature hit “Home.”   Of course she got a standing ovation, always well deserved!

Judge Mathis and producer, composer, guitarist and co-founder of the band/ group “Chic,” Nile Rodgers both gave commentary about LEGEND AWARD honorees Kool & The Gang.   Questlove who is a DeeJay, producer, musician, and author of the book “Soul Train the Music, Dance, and Style of a Generation” referred to a giant flowchart showing how the lyrics and music of Kool & The Gang has been sampled by numerous artists.   Doug E Fresh, Tank, Elle Varner, MC Lyte, Joe, Tamar Braxton, and Mase performed in tribute to Kool & The Gang.   Eric Benet performed  the original Kool & The Gang hit “Ladies Night” as an intro to the grande tribute of “Not Tonight (the Ladies Night remix)” performed by Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliot, DaBrat, YoYo, Total, Lady of Rage with a video excerpt of the late Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes.  The ladies had everybody up from their seats.

The show was recorded live at the Orleans Arena and premieres Sunday, November 30 on Centric and BET.  Check your local listings for specific times.  Come on aboard and enjoy outstanding performances, celebrity presenters, and humorous cameos featuring Sheryl Underwood at the 2014 Soul Train Awards.