The 2009 Soul Train Music Awards were held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia on November 29, 2009. The show was hosted by Oscar nominated actor Terrence Howard and Oscar nominated actress Taraji P. Henson. Performers included Keri Hilson, Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Mario, Raheem DeVaughn, Ludacris, Ryan Leslie, and Robin Thicke. Singers Chaka Khan and Charlie Wilson received the honoree Soul Train Legend Award. Michael Jackson was honoree for posthumous award for Entertainer of the Year. Beyoncé won three awards; Best Female Artist, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. LeToya served as host for the Red-Carpet Show. Upon its return, BET commissioned a new trophy for the Soul Train Music Awards. The new trophy, a train, replaced the signature African mask trophy used from 1987 to 2007.

Special awards

Entertainer of the Year (Posthumous Honor)

Legend Award – Female

Legend Award – Male

Winners and nominees

Album of the Year

Song of the Year

The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award

Best Male R&B/Soul Artist

Best Female R&B/Soul Artist

Best New Artist

Best Reggae Artist

CENTRIC Award

Best Gospel Performance – Male, Female or Group

Best Collaboration

Performers

Tribute performances

Telecast

The Soul Train Awards aired on BET and Centric on November 29, 2009. It was also broadcast on BET UK.

Trivia

The Soul Train Awards was a trending topic during its time on-air on the social media site, Twitter. The Soul Train trophy, originally the trademark African ceremonial mask (Soul Train Music Award for Heritage Award – Career Achievement) is replaced with an actual train. In an episode of Community, "Social Psychology", character Troy mentions the Soul Train Awards when complaining about participating in a study that never begins.