Elmiene to Receive New Soul Honor at Chicago Awards
The R&B artist will be honored and perform at the 2026 Soul Train Awards on November 27.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in R&B
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BET will present the New Soul Honor to singer Elmiene at the 2026 Soul Train Awards in Chicago. The ceremony, which recognizes rising stars in the genre, will feature a live performance by the artist.
Why it matters
The New Soul Honor recognizes a rising artist whose voice and artistry are shaping the future of R&B. By highlighting emerging talent on a national stage, the award underscores the ongoing evolution of the genre.
Elmiene released his debut album, Sounds for Someone, in March 2026 and has previously served as an opening act for SZA and Stevie Wonder.
The players
Elmiene
Elmiene is an R&B artist known for his recent debut album and for touring as an opening act for major performers.
BET
BET is a cable television network that produces the annual Soul Train Awards.
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is a legendary singer and songwriter who has previously hosted Elmiene as an opening act.
SZA
SZA is a prominent contemporary R&B artist who has utilized Elmiene as an opening act.
The details
The award celebrates Elmiene following the release of his debut album and his work on singles including Overthink, Mad at Fire, Crystal Tears, and Useless (Without You). The event will broadcast on BET and CBS to mark the recognition of his contributions to contemporary R&B.
Timeline
March 2026: Elmiene released his debut album, Sounds for Someone.
November 27, 2026: The 2026 Soul Train Awards will occur in Chicago at 8 p.m. ET.
Industry Dynamics
The Soul Train Awards historically serve as a primary barometer for the health and direction of the R&B genre. This event extends the Soul Train Awards legacy of honoring R&B innovators by spotlighting a new generation of vocalists.
Viewers can watch the awards ceremony live on BET and CBS starting at 8 p.m. ET on November 27. The broadcast provides fans direct access to live performances and the recognition of rising industry talent.
The takeaway
Honoring rising stars on established platforms like the Soul Train Awards provides critical visibility for emerging artists in the music industry. Listeners can explore an artist's discography ahead of such events to better understand why they were selected for professional recognition.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving sound of the genre in our R&B section.
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