Keke Palmer will host the 2023 Soul Train Awards, which airs Sunday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. ET on BET and BET Her.
BET Networks confirmed the announcement on Wednesday (Nov. 15) afternoon.
“Keke Palmer is a globally recognized multihyphenate talent who embodies confidence and positivity and is one of the most engaging and lovable personalities working in entertainment today. We can’t wait to have her host the Soul Train Awards house party,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy.
Orlando continued, “BET gave Keke her first talk show, where she made history as the youngest talk show host in television, and today we are honored to have her back on the ‘Soul Train Awards’ stage. As always, expect our star-studded slate of soulful artists and can’t-miss moments to illuminate your screens for a night dedicated to soul music.”
Palmer will not only host the annual event but also perform new music. She recently released an extended edition of her 2023 project, Big Boss, which was first introduced in May.
Both versions of Big Boss contain the previously shared songs, “Standards” and “Waiting.” However, the new edition has four additional tracks, including “Assets” and “Serious.”
One of the highlights from the deluxe version is “Ungorgeous,” which Palmer has described as a very personal and meaningful record.
“It’s lived with me for a long time and I never shared it until this year. It’s easy to assume that when someone appears beautiful and together on the outside, the same is true for how they are feeling on the inside. That is often not the case- and the way we feel on the inside is really the only thing that counts,” explained Palmer.
“Something I’ve learned since I first recorded this song is that there is no shame in owning how you really feel. Especially when it isn’t good! My vulnerability is my strength and in getting it out there I can heal. Performing this song on tour reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I want to give people permission to be real with themselves and with each other. Music is meant to transmute, so if you’ve been where I’ve been or are there right now, I hope you turn this song on, acknowledge your truth and let it go.”
Recently, Palmer collaborated with Emmy-winning music director Adam Blackstone for “Christmas Kisses.” The holiday tune is part of Blackstone’s A LEGACY CHRISTMAS album, which arrives Nov. 24.
Doubling back to the 2023 Soul Train Awards, the first wave of performers was confirmed. SWV, BJ The Chicago Kid, Coco Jones, Fridayy, Muni Long, and Dante Bowe are set to perform.
The 2023 nominations were announced in November. Usher, SZA and Summer Walker lead the pack with nine.