Beyonce Is Triple Threat At Soul Train Awards

BEYONCE ruled the 2009 Soul Train Awards on Tuesday (03Nov09) after taking home three top prizes at the ceremony.

The Irreplaceable superstar was named Best Female R&B/Soul Artist, while her track Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) claimed the Song of the Year accolade and her album I Am... Sasha Fierce landed her the honour for Album of the Year.

But Beyonce lost out on the prestigious Record of the Year title - that went to Jamie Foxx for his T-Pain collaboration Blame It.

Meanwhile, singer/songwriter Keri Hilson was a double winner at the Atlanta, Georgia ceremony, walking away with the Best New Artist award and Best Collaboration for Knock You Down, her hit song with Kanye West and Ne-Yo.

Soul star Maxwell, who was nominated in four categories, only managed to win one, for Best Male R&B/Soul Artist, beating competition from the likes of Robin Thicke and Raphael Saadiq.

The ceremony also saluted the late, great Michael Jackson, who was named Entertainer of the Year, while Chaka Khan and Charlie Wilson were both hailed with the Icon Award.

Their stellar careers were celebrated with performances by Keith Sweat, Ginuwine, Brian McKnight and Kandi Burress, who joined forces to pay tribute to Wilson with renditions of The Gap Band songs including Outstanding and Burn Rubber.

Angie Stone, Erykah Badu and Fantasia collaborated with rap pioneer Melle Mel to honour Khan, singing her hits Through the Fire and Tell Me Something Good.

They weren't the only singers to bring the audience to their feet - Chico DeBarge, Boyz II Men, Johnny Gill and Estelle hit the stage with actress presenter Taraji P. Henson to belt out a medley of Motown hits to mark the label's 50th anniversary.

The awards show, co-hosted by actor Terrence Howard, will air on U.S. TV on 29 November (09).

--IANS-WENN