by Brennan Williams
Academy Award nominees Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard served as hosts of the popular awards show, celebrating achievements in black music.
Beyonce — who was a no-show to the awards — won three awards, while Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, Raheem DeVaughn, Kandi Burruss and Brian McKnight all covered some of The Gap Band‘s most notable classics. (Other winners listed below.)
Chaka Khan‘s memorable tribute performance featured Erykah Badu, Melle Mel, Ledisi, Fantasia and Angie Stone, who all took the stage for renditions of ‘Through the Fire’ and ‘Tell Me Something Good
Below is a complete list of this year’s winners.
BEST NEW ARTIST
• Keri Hilson
BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALE
• Beyoncé
BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALE
• Maxwell
SONG OF THE YEAR
• ‘Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)’ – Beyoncé
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
• Beyoncé – I am… Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music
RECORD OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER AWARD)
• Jamie Foxx Ft/T-Pain – ‘Blame it’
BEST REGGAE ARTIST AWARD
• Sean Paul
CENTRIC AWARD – SOUL APPROVED/UNDERGROUND
• Maysa
BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE MALE FEMALE OR GROUP
• Mary Mary featuring Kierra “KiKi” Sheard – ‘God In Me’
BEST COLLABORATION
• Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo – ‘Knock you Down’
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Michael Jackson
