Beyonce, Maxwell, Keri Hilson lead Soul Train noms

By Gail Mitchell

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - With four nominations each, Beyonce, Keri Hilson and Maxwell head the list of nominees for the Soul Train Awards.

The awards ceremony, hosted by actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, will be the first special aired on BET's recently launched CENTRIC Network.

Taping November 3 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, the "CENTRIC Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards" will premiere on both CENTRIC and BET in a special simulcast on November 29 at 9 p.m.

In addition to awards presented in various categories, the show will salute the careers of Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, Antonio "L.A." Reed and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The Soul Train Awards will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown Records and honor the late Michael Jackson with the Entertainer of the Year Award.

Scheduled performers include Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Chrisette Michelle, Ledisi and Melanie Fiona.

(Editing by SheriLinden at Reuters)