SOUL TRAIN AWARDS TO FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY SMOKEY ROBINSON, ERIC BENET, BOBBY CALDWELL, JOSS STONE, RON ISLEY & OTHERS

CENTRIC, a BET Network, has announced that Jennifer Hudson, Tamar Braxton, Smokey Robinson, K. Michelle, Ron Isley, Wale, Eric Benet, Candice Glover, Kem, Chrisette Michele, Bobby Caldwell and Joss Stone will be hitting the stage as performers for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2013. This year's show pays homage to the soul soundtrack of the 90's, allowing fans to reminisce on a decade of influential black cinema and music. Charged with keeping the party going throughout the night are Grammy Award winning producers 1500 or Nothin' and legendary keyboardist Greg Phillinganes who have both been tapped as music directors for the show. As previously announced, comedian and actor Anthony Anderson will host the event in Las Vegas on November 8th, which will air on CENTRIC and BET, December 1, 2013 at 8PM ET/PT.

"We are gearing up for a big show this year, and the performers set to take the stage are just the beginning of what's to come. I hope everyone is ready because Centric is bringing the party to Las Vegas come November 8th," said Paxton Baker, General Manager and Executive Vice President, CENTRIC. "We are forever grateful for the involvement of so many amazing performers and their loyalty to the Soul Train and Centric brands. Music is the core of Centric's DNA and our diverse roster of new talent and legendary artists display our continued commitment to providing quality programming for soul music lovers."

For the first time, SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2013 will be held at the Orleans Arena, one of the nation's leading mid-size arenas. Also marking a first for the award show is the addition of a second stage, which will feature a rotating mix of celebrity DJs. Hip-hop sensation Kendrick Lamar leads this year's nominations with six nominations across multiple categories, including: Best New Artist, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Tied with five nominations each are Miguel, Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton and Janelle Monae.

SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2013 is directed by Tony McCuin and produced by Centric TV and Sunseeker Media. Executive producers of the network telecast are as follows: Paxton Baker, Tami Arasli, Derek Lewis from Centric; Bart Phillips from Sunseeker Media and Kenard Gibbs from Soul Train Holdings. This year's motto is We Got Soul.

For more information, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain. Follow us at @centrictv and @bet, and join the conversation with #SoulTrainAwards #WeGotSoul.

~ Centric