A couple of weeks ago, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre was all abuzz with celebrities, red carpets and a glitzy stage that was dripping with star power.
"Soul Train" producers were taping the 2010 music awards show, which began around 8:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and lasted well after 3 a.m. This is the second year that Atlanta has hosted the show on the heels of the now annual taping of the BET Hip Hop Awards about a month earlier.
If you weren’t able to snag a ticket to the event, which was hosted by actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, here are a few highlights that you might see (depending on film editing) when the show airs on Sunday night on Centric and BET.
Wolf Blizter learns an old dance. Don't be surprised when you see the CNN anchor, who proclaims to be a longtime fan of the show. "The real reason that I'm here tonight is not to bring you the news as I do with 'The Situation Room' every night," Blitzer told the audience. "The real reason that I came here tonight is because I want to learn how to do 'the Dougie.' And I can learn the Dougie from the man himself." With that, rapper Doug E. Fresh tries to teach Blizter the Dougie. You be the judge ... . Moments later, Blitzer accepts an award on behalf of another rapper in his absence.
A more refined R. Kelly. If you haven't seen his latest video, expect to do a double take when a bespectacled Kelly appears on stage with a short smooth haircut, a crisp black suit and bow tie. Gone are his signature cornrows. He quickly proves his strength is not in his hair as he belts out of quick medley of old hits before launching into his new hit "When a Woman Loves." The performance will transport you back to the 1950s.
"Cosby Show" reunion. Well, almost. Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played Rudy, and Raven-Symone, who joined the cast years later as Olivia, present the award for song of the year to an Atlanta artist.
"Soul Train" moments. Don Cornelius created "Soul Train" in the early '70s and served as its host for more than 20 years. With the show celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new DVD box set, expect to see classic scenes of Cornelius with James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Isaac Hayes.
Tributes to Anita Baker and Ron Isley. A group of dynamic singers (Lalah Hathaway, Faith Evans, Rachelle Ferrell, Kem, Tamia, El DeBarge and Chrisette Michele) serenade Baker with hits such as "Caught Up in the Rapture," "Giving You the Best That I Got," Sweet Love" and Angel." "Music is my sanctuary, food for my soul, sustenance, the very stuff of life. You have fed me and nourished me to capacity tonight," Baker said. A similar serenade to Isley included El DeBarge, Freddie Jackson, Jeffrey Osborne and Peabo Bryson.
Over-the-top performances. That would include Erykah Badu, whose performance was somehow upstaged by Atlanta's Cee-Lo, who performed "Forget You." His elaborate set included all things gold, including a piano, chandelier, columns, sneakers, sunglasses, movable floor and Flamingo girls.
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