Ella Mai wins big, Erykah Badu honored at 2018 Soul Train Awards

Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Ella Mai came out on top at the 2018 Soul Train Awards, taking home a leading three awards during the annual ceremony that also honored Erykah Badu.

Ella Mai won Song of the Year on Sunday for her track "Boo'd Up" over "Finesse (Remix)" by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B, "Every Kind of Way" by H.E.R., "The Weekend" by SZA and "Come Over" by The Internet.

Mai also took home The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter's Award for "Boo'd Up" and Best R&B/Soul Female Artist over Beyonce, Mariah Carey, H.E.R. and SZA.

Other big winners included Bruno Mars who won Best R&B/Soul Male Artist and Video of the Year for "Finesse (Remix)" and Daniel Caesar who won Best New Artist and Best Collaboration Performance for "Best Part" featuring H.E.R.

Badu was honored with the Legend Award alongside Faith Evans who received the Lady of Soul Award. Badu, who also performed her song "Tyrone," thanked her mother during her acceptance speech.

"Mother, thank you for always telling me that I was the best no matter what happened. Sometimes I would get mad at you because so much was required of the best. And I would dim my light and you would come behind me and turn it back on every time," Badu said.

Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell hosted the event which was aired on BET. Evans, Carl Thomas, Koryn Hawthrone, Jon B., Donell Jones, Jacquees and Bell Biv Devoe also performed.