Usher is having the best week ever. His Next Chapter episode on OWN was a hit with viewers and it was just announced that he’s taking over for Cee Lo Green on The Voice this spring. Now, the father of two leads the pack of 2012 Soul Train nominations with five.
The smooth singer is nominated for Best R&B/Soul Male Artist, Album of the Year for Looking 4 Myself, Song of the Year for “Climax,” The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award for “Climax” and Best Dance Performance for “Scream.”
It’s a tight race for Best New Artist —Elle Varner, Emeli Sande, J. Cole, Luke James and Robert Glasper are all nominated. The Best R&B Soul/Female Artist category is just as competitive as Beyoncé, Estelle, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige and Melanie Fiona are going head-to-head.
Eric Benet, Frank Ocean, Nas and R. Kelly will go up against the aforementioned Usher for Album of the Year. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to New Edition.
Click here to see the entire list of nominees. The 2012 Soul Train Awards will tape on November 8 and will air on November 25 on BET and Centric.