Janet Thanks Fans, Outkast Takes Two At Soul Train Awards

03/22/2004 3:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
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OutKast may have walked away with the most awards, but it was Janet Jackson who won hearts at the 18th Annual Soul Train Awards, held March 20 in Los Angeles. Resplendent in a white gown free of "malfunctions," Jackson turned up at the International Cultural Center to receive her Quincy Jones Award for female career achievement. In a carefully worded speech, Janet acknowledged the fans who have supported her through every step of her 30-year career. "That endurance is my heritage as a woman and as a black woman," she said to cheers and applause. "That strength allows black women to get down but also get up and get through and I thank God for it and for your belief in me."

Still dealing with a barrage of criticism and speculation stemming from the "wardrobe malfunction" that left her bare-breasted during her halftime show performance with Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl on February 1, Jackson thanked fans for their outpouring of love through "good times and bad" but fell short of specifically referring to the incident. She added, "Your loving support has been a great source of comfort especially in the last few weeks."

Hip-hop duo OutKast was the only multiple winner at the event, taking home the prize for R&B/soul or rap album of the year for Speakerboxx/The Love Below. The group also earned the Michael Jackson Award for best R&B/soul or rap music video for "Hey Ya!," and were honored as Sammy Davis male entertainers of the year.

Songbird Beyonce, who went into the proceedings with four nominations, took home only one Soul Train award, Best R&B/soul album female, for Dangerously In Love. The much-awarded singer/songwriter also earned the Sammy Davis female entertainer of the year honor.

Ailing singer Luther Vandross was also a sentimental favorite, winning best R&B/soul single, male for "Dance With My Father."

Embattled singer R. Kelly, who just saw charges of child molestation dropped against him recently in Florida, was also a winner. His Chocolate Factory was named best R&B/soul album male, and he also earned Soul Train's Quincy Jones Award for career achievement, male. Kelly also performed on the show.

The show was hosted by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Alicia Keys, and featured performances by Ruben Studdard, Usher, Sleepy Brown with OutKast, the St. Lunatics with Nelly and Jazzy Pha, Ronald Isley, and Michele Williams.

The Soul Train Awards were taped live for syndication, with broadcasts set for March 20 through March 28. Check local listings.

Complete Soul Train Award winners are:

R&B/Soul Single, Female: Alicia Keys, "You Don't Know My Name"

R&B/Soul Single, Male: Luther Vandross, "Dance With My Father"

R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo: Floetry, "Say Yes"

R&B/Soul Album, Female: Beyonce, Dangerously In Love

R&B/Soul Album, Male: R. Kelly, Chocolate Factory

R&B/Soul Album Group, Band or Duo: B2K, Pandemonium

R&B/Soul or Rap Album of the Year: OutKast, Speakerboxx/The Love Below

R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: Chingy, "Right Thurr"

R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video: OutKast, "Hey Ya!"

Gospel Album: Byron Cage, The Prince Of Praise (Live At New Birth Cathedral

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