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Beyonce, Keri Hilson and Maxwell are atop the list of nominees for the annual "Soul Train" awards, to be held in early November and broadcast on BET.

The R&B crooners had four nominations each for the awards ceremony, hosted by actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henderson. Howard is best known for starring roles in "Crash" and "Hustle and Flow," while Henderson had an Oscar-nominated role last year as Brad Pitt's adoptive mother in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

The ceremony, officially titled the "CENTRIC Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards" will also honor the lifetime achievement of rap and R&B icons including Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, star producer Antonio "L.A." Reed and Kenneth Edmonds, better known as "Babyface."

It will also pay homage to the late Michael Jackson and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown Records, Reuters reported. Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Chrisette Michelle, Ledisi and Melanie Fiona are expected to perform.

Beyonce had a hit-filled year in 2009, releasing chart-topping singles including "Diva," "Halo" and the smash hit "Single Ladies" that spawned a legendary and much-spoofed video featuring Beyonce in a black leotard and stilettos.

Hilson broke onto the singing scene with hits like "Knock You Down," featuring the one-two punch combo of Kanye West and Ne-Yo on supporting vocals.

The lone male atop the nominations list, Maxwell returned to his long-time career in R&B this year, releasing soul singles "Pretty Wings" and "Bad Habits."

The ceremony will be taped in Atlanta on Nov. 3 and air Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. ET on BET and the CENTRIC network.

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