Miguel Makes His Mark At The Soul Train Music Awards

By Michael Lopez

Something tells us you'll be hearing a lot more of Miguel in the year ahead. The half-Mexican crooner is a rapidly rising star, having already made his presence known at the Grammys, the BET Awards, and the AMA's. And this past weekend, he proved his staying power once again with a statue for Best New Artist at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards.

The Atlanta-based event proved to be a big hit with BET viewers. During the Sunday broadcast, stars like Melanie Fiona, Robin Thicke, and (you guessed it) Miguel delivered dynamite performances. The show also featured rollicking tributes to a few Soul Train icons. Both Gladys Knight and Earth, Wind & Fire received the night’s Legends Awards, and deservedly so.

Gladys, in particular, attracted a host of lady singers interpreting her classic hits. Tamar Braxton, Chrisette Michele, and Natalie Cole all paid their tributes, which clearly touched Knight as she took the stage for her acceptance speech.

"I received awards over the years," she told the crowd. "But this one here is closest to my heart because it comes from my people."

Cee-Lo Green made sure his presence was known too. Sporting a bright red track suit, the Voice coach gratefully accepted the night’s Best Male Soul Artist Award and kept the crowd on their feet with a lively performance of "Fool For You."

Jill Scott got huge applause when she accepted the Best Female Soul Artist Award, but the big winner of the night was actually a no-show. Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E. wound up taking home Album of the Year, but he missed the festivities for unspecified reasons.

Perhaps the most memorable moment of the night came during the tribute to Heavy D. The rap icon has been getting a slew of posthumous honors lately, but Soul Train’s segment seemed extra special. Fellow hip-hop artists Doug E. Fresh, Naughty by Nature, Kurtis Blow, and Big Daddy Kane all took the mic and participated.

So with the rise of Miguel and the passing of Heavy D, this year’s Soul Train Music Awards definitely felt like a passing of the torch. Let’s keep our hopes up that Mr. "All I Want Is You" can live up to his musical potential.

Did you watch the Soul Train Music Awards? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Award Shows, BET, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cee Lo Green, Chris Brown, Earth Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, Heavy D, Jill Scott, Música, Melanie Fiona, miguel, Natalie Cole, Robin Thicke, Soul Train, Soul Train Music Awards