View source for Ne-Yo

{{Short description|American singer (born 1979)}}
{{Redirect|Neyo||Neyo (disambiguation)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Ne-Yo
| image              = P20230704CS-0962 (53235069464) (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Ne-Yo in 2023
| birth_name         = Shaffer Chimere Smith
| other_names        = Gogo
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1979|10|18}}<ref name="birth">{{cite web |last1=McKynzie |first1=Amber |title=Ne-Yo Talks Fatherhood, Life as a Husband, and Breaks Down New Single, 'Good Man '[EXCLUSIVE] |url=https://www.wbls.com/news/news-0/ne-yo-good-man-new-album-fatherhood-husband-family |publisher=[[WBLS]] 107.5 FM |access-date=August 4, 2018 |date=February 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005815/https://www.wbls.com/news/news-0/ne-yo-good-man-new-album-fatherhood-husband-family |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| birth_place        = [[Camden, Arkansas]], U.S.
| partner            = Monyetta Shaw (2009–2013)
| education          = [[Las Vegas Academy]]
| spouse             = {{marriage|Crystal Renay Williams|2016|2023|reason=divorced}}
| occupation         = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* songwriter
* record producer
* dancer
* actor
}}
| works = {{flatlist|
* [[Ne-Yo discography|Discography]]
* [[Ne-Yo discography#Production discography|production]]
}}
| years_active       = 1998–present
| children = 7<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Naja |last=Rayne | url=https://people.com/celebrity/ne-yo-carries-pregnant-wife-crystal-renay-over-threshold-after-tying-the-knot/ | title=Watch NE-YO Carry His Pregnant Wife Crystal Renay Over the Threshold After Tying the Knot |magazine=People |date=December 1, 2020 |access-date=March 21, 2024 }}</ref>
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Ne-Yo|Full list]]
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed               = yes
| origin              = [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], U.S.
| genre               = {{flatlist|
* [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/ne-yo-pushes-back-with-reggae_131317 |title=Ne-Yo pushes back with reggae |newspaper=[[Jamaica Observer]] |last=Johnson |first=Richard |date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=May 26, 2018}}</ref><ref name="allmusic"/>
* [[Pop music|pop]]<ref name="allmusic">{{allMusic|artist|mn0000846634|accessdate=27 January 2024|quote=sophisticated pop-R&B specialist|first=Andy|last=Kellman}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/573/ne-yo_finding_the_right_balance/|title=Ne-Yo: Finding the right balance|publisher=[[Blues & Soul]]|last=Lewis|first=Pete|date=July 1, 2010|accessdate=January 26, 2024|archive-date=December 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224161409/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/573/ne-yo_finding_the_right_balance/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[hip hop soul]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/artist/ne-yo/|title=Ne-Yo - Prolific R&B Hitmaker|publisher=uDiscover Music|date=August 20, 2020|accessdate=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
}}
| label               = {{flatlist|
* Compound
* [[Motown]]
* [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]
}}
| website            = {{URL|neyothegentleman.com}}
{{Infobox
| child=yes
| header          = Logo
| headerstyle     = background:#b0c4de
| data1 = }}
}}
| signature          = Ne-Yo sig.svg
}}

'''Shaffer Chimere Smith''' (born October 18, 1979), known professionally as '''Ne-Yo''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|iː|j|oʊ}} {{respell|NEE|yoh}}), is an American singer and songwriter. Regarded as a leading figure of [[Contemporary R&B#2000s|2000s R&B music]],<ref>{{cite magazine|title= Artists of the Decade Music Chart |magazine= Billboard |access-date= February 8, 2011 |url= http://www.billboard.com/#/charts-decade-end/artists-of-the-decade?year=2009&begin=1&order=position |archive-date= July 29, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110729050908/http://www.billboard.com/#/charts-decade-end/artists-of-the-decade?year=2009&begin=1&order=position |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson and the style that lasts: R&B|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-caw-soul7-2008sep07-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ne-Yo Goes Viral For His Dance Moves In "Knock You Down" Music Video|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/727034-neyo-knock-you-down-dance-music-video-hip-hop-news |website=HotNewHipHop |date=October 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ne-Yo is confident his new music will speak for itself: "This album is amazing"|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-07-11/179562/ne-yo-says-new-album-self-explanatory-is-amazing-interview/?amp |website=Revolt}}</ref> he is the recipient of numerous accolades, including three [[Grammy Awards]]. He gained recognition for his songwriting abilities following the success of his first major credit, [[Mario (singer)|Mario]]'s 2004 single "[[Let Me Love You (Mario song)|Let Me Love You]]". Its release prompted a meeting between Ne-Yo and [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]'s then-president [[Jay-Z]], resulting in a contract in which he released four studio albums, each of which spawned [[hit song]]s.

Ne-Yo's debut single, "[[Stay (Ne-Yo song)|Stay]]" (featuring [[Peedi Peedi]]) was released the following year to lukewarm commercial reception, although its follow-up, "[[So Sick]]" became his [[breakthrough role|breakthrough]] hit as it peaked atop the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. Both songs, along with the follow-up singles "[[When You're Mad]]" and "[[Sexy Love]]", preceded the release of his debut studio album ''[[In My Own Words]]'' (2006), which peaked atop the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and saw positive critical reception. Furthermore, the album received two nominations at the [[49th Annual Grammy Awards]] and received [[RIAA certification|platinum]] certification by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA), in addition to similar certifications in the UK, Japan and Australia.

''[[Because of You (Ne-Yo album)|Because of You]]'' (2007), Ne-Yo's second studio album, also peaked the ''Billboard'' 200 and won [[Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album|Best Contemporary R&B Album]] at the [[50th Annual Grammy Awards]]. His third studio album, ''[[Year of the Gentleman]]'' (2008), saw continued success and yielded a nomination for the award, as well as for [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]]. Its lead single, "[[Closer (Ne-Yo song)|Closer]]" was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance|Best Male Pop Vocal Performance]], while its follow-up, "[[Miss Independent (Ne-Yo song)|Miss Independent]]" won the award, as well as [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Song|Best R&B Song]] at the [[51st Annual Grammy Awards]]. ''Year of the Gentleman'' received double platinum certification by the RIAA—selling two million copies—as well as triple platinum certification by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI).

''[[Libra Scale]]'' (2010), Ne-Yo's fourth studio album, was met with moderate success on international charts and reached number nine on the US ''Billboard'' 200. Seeing an overall decline in commercial reception, he parted ways with Def Jam in favor of its coequal [[Universal Music Group]] subsidiary, [[Motown]] two years later. His fifth album, ''[[R.E.D. (Ne-Yo album)|R.E.D.]]'' (2012) peaked at number four on the chart and was preceded by the single "[[Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)]]", which peaked at number six on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and peaked atop the [[UK Singles Chart]]. His sixth album, ''[[Non-Fiction (Ne-Yo album)|Non-Fiction]]'' (2015) was met with similar commercial response despite a steep critical decline. It was supported by the ''Billboard'' Hot 100-top ten single "[[Time of Our Lives (Pitbull and Ne-Yo song)|Time of Our Lives]]" (with [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]]) and the [[strip club]]-inspired top 40 single, "[[She Knows (Ne-Yo song)|She Knows]]" (featuring [[Juicy J]]). His seventh album, ''[[Good Man (album)|Good Man]]'' (2018) peaked at number 33 on the ''Billboard'' 200, while his eighth and ninth albums, ''Another Kind of Christmas'' (2019) and ''[[Self Explanatory (Ne-Yo album)|Self Explanatory]]'' (2022) scarcely entered the chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Ne-Yo Announces New Album 'Good Man' |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2017/06/01/ne-yo-announces-new-album-good-man/ |magazine=Rap-Up |date=June 1, 2017 |access-date=June 1, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ne-Yo Returns To Music with "Another Love Song" Via Motown/Capitol |url=http://clizbeats.com/another-love-song-ne-yos-new-single-is-out-today-1261/ |publisher=Clizbeats.com |date=June 1, 2017 |access-date=June 1, 2017}}</ref>

Alongside his recording career, Ne-Yo served as a judge for the [[reality competition]] series ''[[World of Dance (TV series)|World of Dance]]'' from 2017 to 2020 alongside [[Jennifer Lopez]] and [[Derek Hough]]. In 2021, Ne-Yo competed as Badger on the second season of ''[[The Masked Singer (British TV series)|The Masked Singer UK]],'' and finished in second place. In 2023, he competed on the tenth season of ''[[The Masked Singer (American TV series)|The Masked Singer]],'' as the Cow and finished in first place. According to [[Recording Industry Association of America]], Ne-Yo has sold 29 million certified albums and singles in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Searchable Database |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America}}</ref> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' ranked "[[Give Me Everything]]" and "[[Knock You Down]]" among the Greatest Songs of the Summer of all time.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cabison |first=Rosalie |date=August 16, 2021 |title=Greatest of All Time Songs of the Summer |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-of-all-time-songs-of-the-summer/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> Ne-Yo has yielded five number one singles on the UK Singles Chart, and spent 315 weeks within the chart's Top 75.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NE-YO {{!}} full Official Chart History |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/18121/ne-yo/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |publisher=Official Charts Company}}</ref> Ne-Yo also has four songs listed on Motown's Top 100 songs of the Millennium in the UK—the fifth most entries on the list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The UK's Top 100 biggest Motown songs of the Millennium |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-official-top-100-motown-songs-of-the-millennium__27106/ |access-date=April 23, 2023 |publisher=Official Charts Company}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Shaffer Chimere Smith was born on October 18, 1979, in [[Camden, Arkansas]] to parents Lorraine and Shaffer Smith, both of whom are also musicians. As a young child, he was raised by his mother after she separated from his father.<ref name="LoNe-Yo">{{cite news |last=Lo |first=Ricky |year=2008 |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2008/02/24/46567/let-ne-yo-love-you |title=Let Ne-Yo Love You |newspaper=[[The Philippine Star]] |location=Philippines}}</ref> His mother then relocated the family to [[Las Vegas]], Nevada.

While in the [[Las Vegas Academy]], Smith adopted the stage name '''GoGo''' and joined an R&B group called Envy, who appeared during amateur night on ''[[Showtime at the Apollo]]''<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMvVUYPEOX8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/IMvVUYPEOX8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Ne-yo and Corey from American Idol stinking up Apollo |date=September 29, 2010 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and on the short lived [[MTV]] series ''[[The Cut (1998 TV series)|The Cut]]''<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra7MASP8_cE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Ra7MASP8_cE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Ne-yo, Corey Clark, and Cory Robinson Backstage at MTV's "The cut" |date=July 20, 2009 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> (hosted by [[Lisa Lopes|Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes]] of [[TLC (group)|TLC]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://artists.letssingit.com/ne-yo-wvp3c/biography |title=Artist Biography &#124; Ne-Yo biography |publisher=Artists.letssingit.com |access-date=March 13, 2011}}</ref> The group disbanded in 2000, and Smith continued to write songs for other artists before starting his solo career. The stage name '''Ne-Yo''' was coined by Big D Evans, a producer with whom Ne-Yo once worked,<ref name="Vibe20Q">{{cite news |url=http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2005/10/20_questions_with_ne_yo/ |title=20 Questions with Ne-Yo |last=Scott |first=Kevin R. |date=October 24, 2005 |work=Vibe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512020337/http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2005/10/20_questions_with_ne_yo/ |archive-date=May 12, 2008}}</ref> because Evans claimed that Ne-Yo sees music like the character [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo]] sees [[Matrix (fictional universe)|the Matrix]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soulmusic.com/ne20in.html |title=Ne-Yo 2006 Interview |last=Lorez |first=Jeff |year=2006 |publisher=Soulmusic |access-date=October 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027115224/http://www.soulmusic.com/ne20in.html |archive-date=October 27, 2008}}</ref>

== Music career ==
=== 1998–2005: Career beginnings ===
[[File:NeYoJul05.jpg|thumb|upright|left|130px|Ne-Yo performing in July 2005]]
After Envy disbanded in 2000, [[Columbia Records]] signed Ne-Yo, but the label dropped him before he could release his already-recorded first album.<ref name="JonesTunes">{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-05-15-ne-yo_N.htm |title=Ne-Yo keeps tunes coming |last=Jones |first=Steve |date=May 15, 2007 |work=USA Today |access-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref> American singer [[Marques Houston]] happened to hear "[[That Girl (Marques Houston song)|That Girl]]", which Ne-Yo had planned to release as his debut [[single (music)|single]] from his then-unreleased album. Houston re-recorded the song and released it as a single for his 2003 album ''[[MH (Marques Houston album)|MH]]''.<ref name="ReevesSlick">{{cite web |url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2006-09-07/music/slick-of-it-all/ |title=Slick of It All |last=Reeves |first=Mosi |date=September 7, 2006 |work=Miami New Times |access-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref> The release of the song led to Ne-Yo being recognized as a top songwriter.<ref name="ReevesSlick" />

For the next two years, Ne-Yo continued writing songs, some of which have not been officially released.<ref name="ReevesSlick" /> He contributed songs to American singer [[Teedra Moses]]'s 2004 album ''[[Complex Simplicity]]'', [[Christina Milian]]'s ''[[It's About Time (Christina Milian album)|It's About Time]]'', and the American boy band [[Youngstown (band)|Youngstown]],<ref name="AMGBio">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic |class=artist |id=p737022 |pure_url=yes}}|title=Neyo: Biography|last=Kellman|first=Any|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=December 26, 2008}}</ref> none of which, however, brought Ne-Yo much mainstream attention.<ref name="ReevesSlick" /> Ne-Yo has also contributed songs to singers [[Mary J. Blige]], [[B2K]], [[Faith Evans]], and [[Musiq Soulchild|Musiq]], among others.<ref name="ShaheemPicks" />

A breakthrough came when Ne-Yo wrote "[[Let Me Love You (Mario song)|Let Me Love You]]" for American singer [[Mario (singer)|Mario]]. The song reached number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and later stayed at the top spot for nine weeks.<ref name="AMGBio" /> After the successful release, Tina Davis, former A&R representative for [[Def Jam Recordings]], arranged an informal meeting with label head [[L.A. Reid]].<ref name="ReevesSlick" /> Despite not seeking a new contract at the time, then-CEO of Def Jam [[Jay-Z]] signed Ne-Yo to a new deal after he performed for the label's executives.<ref name="JonesTunes" /><ref name="ShaheemPicks">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/jayz_picks/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050701010143/http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/jayz_picks/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 1, 2005 |title=Jay-Z's Picks: Teairra Mari, Rihanna, Ne-Yo |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 25, 2008}}</ref>

=== 2006–2007: ''In My Own Words'' and ''Because of You'' ===
[[File:Ne-Yo Promotion.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Ne-Yo promoting ''[[Because of You (Ne-Yo album)|Because of You]]'' in 2007]]
In early 2006, Ne-Yo released his debut album, ''[[In My Own Words]]'', through [[Def Jam]]. Boosted by its popular second single "[[So Sick]]", the album debuted at number one on [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], selling over 301,000 copies in its first week on sale.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59463/ne-yos-words-speak-volumes-at-no-1 |title=Ne-Yo's 'Words' Speak Volumes At No. 1 |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=March 8, 2006 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626093143/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59463/ne-yos-words-speak-volumes-at-no-1 |archive-date=June 26, 2013}}</ref> During the same week, the single had reached number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="HopeTakeover">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59446/ne-yo-completes-chart-takeover-with-so-sick |title=Ne-Yo Completes Chart Takeover With 'So Sick' |last=Hope |first=Clover |date=March 9, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603011225/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59446/ne-yo-completes-chart-takeover-with-so-sick |archive-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref> Later singles released were "[[When You're Mad]]" and "[[Sexy Love]]", which peaked at number 15 and number seven, respectively.<ref name="BillChartHis">{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName |artist=ne-yo |chart=all}} |title=Artist Chart History – Ne-Yo |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307043544/http://www.billboard.com:80/artist/312075/ne-yo/chart? |archive-date=March 7, 2013 }}</ref> The album has been certified platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for a shipment of over one million units.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Ne-Yo&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |title=RIAA – Gold and Platinum |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=December 25, 2008}}</ref>

His second album, ''[[Because of You (Ne-Yo album)|Because of You]]'', was released on May 1, 2007, and, fueled by its lead single, debuted at number one on the ''Billboard''&nbsp;200, selling 251,000 copies in the United States; the feat gave Ne-Yo his second number-one album.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1052244/ne-yo-scores-second-no-1-in-debut-heavy-week |title=Ne-Yo Scores Second No. 1 In Debut-Heavy Week |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=May 9, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626101750/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1052244/ne-yo-scores-second-no-1-in-debut-heavy-week |archive-date=June 26, 2013}}</ref> The first single from the platinum-selling album was the [[Because of You (Ne-Yo song)|title track]], which peaked at the number-two spot.<ref name="BillChartHis" /> Despite the success of "Because of You", later singles released charted lower and were unable to reach the Top 20.<ref name="BillChartHis" /> The album has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of over one million units.<ref name="RIAA" /> In December 2007, Ne-Yo and the [[Goo Goo Dolls]] performed at a fund-raising concert for the then–presidential candidate Senator [[Barack Obama]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/ne-yo-the-goo-goo-dolls-and-oh-yes-barack/ |title=Ne-Yo, The Goo Goo Dolls and, Oh, Yes, Barack |last=Cathcart |first=Rebecca |date=December 11, 2007 |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 26, 2008}}</ref>

=== 2008–2010: ''Year of the Gentleman'' and ''Libra Scale'' ===
Ne-Yo's third album, ''[[Year of the Gentleman]]'', was released internationally on August 5, 2008. Speaking to noted UK R&B writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning [[Blues & Soul]], Ne-Yo explained the thinking behind its title: "To me ''Year of the Gentleman'' is all about a persona, a swag and a charm. I made an assessment of the music business. And, in my personal opinion, the essence of the gentleman is absent right now. Everybody kinda looks the same, everybody's kinda doing the same thing, everybody's kinda rude and full of themselves. Whereas a gentleman is calm, courteous, kind, charming... So that title basically represents me trying to lead by example, and showing these cats what it is to be a gentleman in this business still."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/293/ne_yo_in_his_own_words/ |title=Ne-Yo interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' June 2008 |publisher=Bluesandsoul.com |access-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-date=January 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114122001/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/293/ne_yo_in_his_own_words/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The album sold 250,000 copies in its first week in the United States, debuting on the ''Billboard''&nbsp;200 at number two.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043994/metallica-edges-ne-yo-nelly-to-remain-no-1 |title=Metallica Edges Ne-Yo, Nelly To Remain No. 1 |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=September 24, 2008 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 25, 2008}}</ref> Reviews for the album were positive: in one, Caryn Ganz of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine wrote that ''Year of the Gentleman'' is "actually a superb concept album about what a great boyfriend he [Ne-Yo] can be".<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/22723958/review/22787161/year_of_the_gentleman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906201832/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/22723958/review/22787161/year_of_the_gentleman |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2008 |title=Year of the Gentleman : Ne-Yo : Review |last=Ganz |first=Caryn |date=September 18, 2008 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 24, 2008}}</ref> The first two singles, "[[Closer (Ne-Yo song)|Closer]]" and "[[Miss Independent (Ne-Yo song)|Miss Independent]]", peaked at number seven on the ''Billboard'' Hot&nbsp;100. The album was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album|Best Contemporary R&B Album]] and [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] at the [[51st Grammy Awards|2009 Grammy Awards]], "Closer" for [[Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance|Best Male Pop Vocal Performance]], and "Miss Independent" for [[Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance|Best Male R&B Vocal Performance]] and [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Song|Best R&B Song]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600684/20081204/ne_yo.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206055007/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600684/20081204/ne_yo.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |title=Ne-Yo Was Blown Away By His Six Grammy Nods: 'One Nomination Would Have Been Enough For Me' |last=Adler |first=Shawn |date=December 4, 2008 |publisher=MTV |access-date=December 25, 2008}}</ref> ''Year of the Gentleman'' has been certified platinum by RIAA for a shipment of more than one million copies.<ref name="RIAA" /> The third single, "[[Mad (Ne-Yo song)|Mad]]", peaked at number 11 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.

On August 12, 2008, the [[New Kids on the Block]] released "[[Single (New Kids on the Block and Ne-Yo song)|Single]]", the second single from their fifth studio album, ''[[The Block (album)|The Block]]'', which is a duet with Ne-Yo. Ne-Yo included a solo version of the song on his album ''Year of the Gentleman''. In December 2008, Ne-Yo performed at the Kennedy Center Honors as part of the tribute to [[Barbra Streisand]]; he sang and danced to the song "[[Lover Come Back to Me]]", which Streisand recorded on her second album in 1963. In 2009, ''Billboard'' ranked him as the 57th Artist of the 2000s decade.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts-decade-end/artists-of-the-decade?year=2009&begin=51&order=position |title=Billboard – Music Charts, Music News, Artist Photo Gallery & Free Video |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> On September 2, 2009, Ne-Yo released greatest hits album ''[[Ne-Yo: The Collection]]'' in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=UICD-9061 |title=NE-YO: The Collection [Limited Edition] |work=CDJapan.co.jp |publisher=Neowing |access-date=September 12, 2009}}</ref> The album was also released with a limited edition CD+DVD edition complete with the music videos of singles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=UICD-9061 |title=NE-YO: The Collection Complete Edition [SHM-CD] [w/ DVD, Limited Edition] |work=CDJapan.co.jp |publisher=Neowing |access-date=September 12, 2009}}</ref> It debuted at number four on Japan's ''[[Oricon]]'' weekly albums chart, selling 55,625 copies in the first week.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/search/result.php?kbn=ja&types=rnk&year=2009&month=9&week=2&submit5.x=9&submit5.y=17 |title=Oricon Ranking Search |publisher=[[Oricon]] |access-date=September 12, 2009 |language=ja}}</ref>

In January 2010, Ne-Yo was featured in a duet with singer [[Mariah Carey]] titled "[[Angels Cry (song)|Angels Cry]]". In June 2010, Ne-Yo released the single "[[Beautiful Monster]]", which became Ne-Yo's third number-one single on the [[UK Singles Chart]]. It peaked at number 53 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart. On October 8, 2010, Ne-Yo performed some of his songs from the new album at P.C. Richard & Son Theater in New York City, an event hosted by [[iHeartRadio]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Girl |first=Cosmo |url=http://www.seventeen.com/cosmogirl/neyo-concert-video-performance?click=main_sr |title=Highlights from Ne-Yo's NYC Concert |publisher=Seventeen |date=October 14, 2010 |access-date=March 13, 2011}}</ref> Ne-Yo made an appearance at New York ComicCon to announce that he was collaborating with Stan Lee for a Libra Scale comic.<ref>Nagy, Evie [http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/954238/ne-yo-teams-up-with-stan-lee-at-new-york-comic-con "Ne-Yo Teams Up with Stan Lee at New York Comic Con"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704145751/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/954238/ne-yo-teams-up-with-stan-lee-at-new-york-comic-con |date=July 4, 2013 }} October 11, 2010</ref> Ne-Yo also met with fans for pictures and autographs in the Cultyard of the ComicCon.<ref>Cope2, October 9, 2010 [http://www.12ozprophet.com/index.php/cope2/entry/cope2ne-yophetus_sign_in_at_elite_gudz_at_the_new_york_comiccon_success/ "COPE2, NE-YO, PHETUS SIGN IN AT ELITE GUDZ AT THE NEW YORK COMICCON !! ! SUCCESS !! !! !! "] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929162306/http://www.12ozprophet.com/index.php/cope2/entry/cope2ne-yophetus_sign_in_at_elite_gudz_at_the_new_york_comiccon_success/ |date=September 29, 2011 }}</ref> The second and third singles released from the album are "[[Champagne Life]]" and "[[One in a Million (Ne-Yo song)|One in a Million]]", respectively.

''[[Libra Scale]]'' was released on November 22, 2010. It received critical acclaim from music critics, but was a commercial disappointment, debuting at number nine on the [[Billboard 200|US ''Billboard'' 200]] chart, selling less than all of his previous three studio albums. Ne-Yo stated: "The album is based upon this short story which basically follows these three characters who are forced to choose between money-power-and-fame versus love. Which in turn is why I've called it 'Libra Scale'. You know, its whole concept is based on that question of morality – that, if you weighed it all out on a libra scale, which one of those two options would you choose?".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/573/ne-yo_finding_the_right_balance/ |title=Ne-Yo interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' August 2010 |publisher=Bluesandsoul.com |access-date=August 5, 2011 |archive-date=December 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224161409/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/573/ne-yo_finding_the_right_balance/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Libra Scale'' sold 112,000 copies in its first week. In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number 11 on the [[UK Albums Chart]], while debuting at number one on the [[UK R&B Chart]].

=== 2011–2012: ''R.E.D.'' ===
[[File:Ne-Yo in the studio.jpg|thumb|right|Ne-Yo in a recording studio in 2011]]
On February 25, 2011, while on his tour in the United Kingdom, he announced his new album would be called ''Love and Passion'' and would be released in September, but this was proven false as the title was tentative. American rapper [[Fabolous]] said in an interview that he is planning a collaboration album with Ne-Yo as well. Ne-Yo has also written songs for [[Mary J. Blige]], [[JB (South Korean singer)|JB]], [[Beyoncé]], [[Monica (entertainer)|Monica]], [[Alexandra Burke]], [[Cheryl Cole]], and [[Willow Smith]]'s upcoming albums. Ne-Yo starred in two motion pictures, the long-gestating [[George Lucas]] project ''[[Red Tails]]'', released in early 2012, and ''[[Battle: Los Angeles]]'', which was released in the United States on March 11, 2011. Ne-Yo has already finished writing songs for American singer and [[Roc Nation]] artist [[Alexis Jordan (singer)|Alexis Jordan]] and her [[Alexis Jordan (album)|self-titled debut album]] as well as [[Jennifer Hudson]] for her second studio album, ''[[I Remember Me (album)|I Remember Me]]'', which had a North American release on March 22, 2011. Ne-Yo appeared in the children's preschool show ''[[The Fresh Beat Band]]'' and was one of the few artists not to cancel appearances in the wake of the [[2011 Japan earthquake]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicrooms.net/urban/29666-ne-yo-i-had-to-perform-in-japan.html |title=Ne-Yo: I had to perform in Japan |publisher=Musicrooms.net |date=March 26, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727010937/http://www.musicrooms.net/urban/29666-ne-yo-i-had-to-perform-in-japan.html |archive-date=July 27, 2011}}</ref>

In the spring of 2011, Ne-Yo featured alongside [[Nayer]] and [[Afrojack]] on [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]]'s single "[[Give Me Everything]]", which peaked at number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, giving Ne-Yo his second US number-one single, his first since 2006's "[[So Sick]]" and his first as a guest artist. Ne-Yo also revealed in an interview that he would like to collaborate with [[Chris Brown]], [[Lil Wayne]], and [[Drake (musician)|Drake]] on his upcoming album.

[[File:Ne-Yo Performs New Album R.E.D. on Walmart Soundcheck.jpg|thumb|left|Ne-Yo performing songs from ''R.E.D.'' in 2012]]
In January 2012, it was reported that Ne-Yo, along with his label imprint Compound Entertainment, had moved from [[Def Jam Recordings]] to [[Motown Records]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/ne-yo-leaves-def-jam-motown-records_n_1231889.html |title=Ne-Yo Leaves Def Jam For Motown Records |work=HuffPost |date=January 25, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2012 |first=Brennan |last=Williams}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Markman |first=Rob |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677870/ne-yo-motown-def-jam.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128053331/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677870/ne-yo-motown-def-jam.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 28, 2012 |title=Ne-Yo Leaves Def Jam To Become Motown Exec – Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV |date=January 25, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2012}}</ref> He was also appointed vice president of Motown, serving as a producer, songwriter, mentor, and talent scout.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Ne-Yo becomes Motown vice-president |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-16739655 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206214751/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-16739655 |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=[[BBC]]}}</ref> Ne-Yo was slated to release his fifth studio album, ''[[R.E.D. (Ne-Yo album)|R.E.D.]]'' (as in "Realizing Every Dream"), on September 18, 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/481694/ne-yo-to-release-red-album-in-september |title=Ne-Yo To Release 'R.E.D.' Album in September – The Juice |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 26, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/791/starry_starry_knight/ |title=Ne-Yo: Starry Starry Knight |author=Stephen Clark – Design |work=bluesandsoul.com |access-date=October 2, 2012 |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203021022/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/791/starry_starry_knight/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The album was initially titled ''The Cracks in Mr. Perfect''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Muhammad |first=Latifah |title=Ne-Yo 'The Cracks in Mr. Perfect' Album: 'Don't Make 'Em Like You No More' Is First Single |date=March 9, 2012 |url=http://www.theboombox.com/2012/03/09/ne-yo-the-cracks-in-mr-perfect-album/ |publisher=The Boom Box |access-date=March 11, 2012}}</ref> The album's first official single, "Lazy Love", was released on June 12, 2012, and peaked at number forty-two on the US [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart. "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)", co-written by Australian singer-songwriter [[Sia]], was released as the second single on July 31, 2012. The song peaked at number seven on the [[Billboard Hot 100]] and became Ne-Yo's fifth number-one song in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/siamusic/status/224410850449047552 |title=Twitter / siamusic: Wrote a song with @NeYoCompound |publisher=Twitter |access-date=August 26, 2012}}</ref> Because of [[Kevin McCall]]'s new album and the song Ne-Yo will be in, "Love Time", was not yet released because he and his friend Chris Brown will make an appearance on Ne-Yo's R.E.D. album in the song called "What I Do", which they all will be involved in writing the beat says Ne-Yo, who was interviewed by TMZ in New York. "I expect this to be a banger in clubs for the slow songs and to get Ne-Yo his first top 10 song in years," said Chris Brown, after a celebrity basketball game with Ne-Yo, Kevin Hart, and other celebrities in the month of July.

On August 29, 2012, Ne-Yo was one of the headliners alongside [[R&B]] recording artist [[Melanie Fiona]], in the ''Summer Beats Concert Series'', otherwise known as the ''MJ Birthday Concert'', which was on what would have been the 54th birthday of the late American pop icon [[Michael Jackson]] which was sponsored by and live-streamed by [[Pepsi]] and ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''. He performed a medley of hits, as well as performing "[[The Way You Make Me Feel]]", "[[Smooth Criminal]]" and "[[I Just Can't Stop Loving You]]" from Jackson's best-selling 1987 album, ''[[Bad (Michael Jackson album)|Bad]]'', in preparation for the [[reissue]] of ''[[Bad 25]]'' on September 18, 2012. The concert took place at [[Gotham Hall]] in New York City.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/ne-yo-channels-king-pop-late-singers-bday-17112140 |title=Entertainment News, Celebrity Interviews and Pop Culture |publisher=ABC News |access-date=November 7, 2012}}</ref> ''[[R.E.D. (Ne-Yo album)|R.E.D.]]'' was released in the United Kingdom on November 5, and in North America on November 6, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ne-yo-announced-r-e-d-release-date-news.2882.html |title=Ne-Yo Announced ''R.E.D.'' Release Date |publisher=HotNewHipHop |date=September 15, 2012 |access-date=November 7, 2012}}</ref> On December 8, 2012, Ne-Yo was the musical guest for [[Saturday Night Live]] with [[Jamie Foxx]] guest-hosting for that week.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/season-38/episode/9-jamie-foxx-with-ne-yo-57886 |title=SNL Season 38 episode 09 - Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo - NBC.com |publisher=NBC |date=December 8, 2012 |access-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref>

In 2012, Ne-Yo was awarded the Hal David Starlight Award of the [[Songwriter's Hall of Fame]] which honors gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs.<ref name="songwritershalloffame.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/ceremony/awards/C3009 |title=Songwriters Hall of Fame |work=songwritershalloffame.org |access-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701074901/http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/ceremony/awards/C3009 |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== 2013–2019: ''Non-Fiction'' and ''Good Man'' ===
[[File:Ne-Yo (15329874953).jpg|thumb|right|200px|Ne-Yo performing at the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in December 2014]]

In March 2013, Ne-Yo collaborated with [[Akon]] on [[David Guetta]]'s single "[[Play Hard]]", from his 2012 album ''Nothing but the Beat 2.0''. He also collaborated with [[Jessica Sanchez]] on her single "[[Tonight (Jessica Sanchez song)|Tonight]]" from her debut album ''[[Me, You & the Music]]''. The single, along with the music video was released on March 21, 2013. In April, Ne-Yo and [[Cher Lloyd]] collaborated on their single "It's All Good", which eventually was featured on Fruttare commercials.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sugarscape.com/main-topics/music/852109/cher-lloyd-and-neyo-collaborate-new-fruttare-song-its-all-good |title=Cher Lloyd and Ne-Yo to collaborate on new Fruttare song 'It's All Good' |work=Sugarscape}}</ref> Around the same time, he and [[Celine Dion]] recorded "[[Incredible (Celine Dion and Ne-Yo song)|Incredible]]" for Dion's 2013 album ''[[Loved Me Back to Life]]''. "Incredible" was released as a single in February 2014 and the music video premiered in June 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=Céline Dion duet with Ne-Yo – Incredible |publisher=[[Vevo]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvO5z5tx4ZA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/QvO5z5tx4ZA |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|date=June 5, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On May 29, 2014, Ne-Yo announced his upcoming sixth studio album would be called ''[[Non-Fiction (Ne-Yo album)|Non-Fiction]]''. That same day, he announced a new single, "[[Money Can't Buy (song)|Money Can't Buy]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/ne-yo/news/new-album-non-fiction/ |title=Ne-Yo Announces New Album 'Non Fiction' For September 2014 Release |date=May 29, 2014 |work=Capital}}</ref> On September 16, 2014, the lead single from "Non Fiction" was sent to mainstream radio titled "[[She Knows (Ne-Yo song)|She Knows]]" featuring [[Juicy J]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/she-knows-feat.-juicy-j-single/id917435703 |title=ITunes - Music - She Knows (Feat. Juicy J) - Single by Ne-Yo |website=[[iTunes]] |access-date=September 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112165211/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/she-knows-feat.-juicy-j-single/id917435703 |archive-date=November 12, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A few months later, Ne-Yo announced that the new release date for ''Non-Fiction'' was January 27, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/11/28/ne-yo-announces-non-fiction-release-date/ |title=Ne-Yo Announces 'Non-Fiction' Release Date |work=Rap-Up}}</ref> The album included collaborations with Pitbull and [[Charisse Mills]].<ref name = bet>{{cite web |url=http://www.bet.com/video/musicnews/the-warm-up/2015/ne-yo-co-signs-pop-opera-artist-charisse-mills.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206105302/http://www.bet.com/video/musicnews/the-warm-up/2015/ne-yo-co-signs-pop-opera-artist-charisse-mills.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 6, 2015 |title=Ne-Yo Cosigns Pop Opera Artist Charisse Mills |publisher=BET |access-date=October 21, 2015}}</ref> The album peaked at number five on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.

In July 2015, Ne-Yo collaborated with [[Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike]] on a new song for the [[Tomorrowland (festival)|Tomorrowland]] anthem titled "[[Higher Place]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://soundcloud.com/dimitrivegasandlikemike |title=dimitrivegasandlikemike |work=SoundCloud |access-date=September 28, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, Ne-Yo collaborated with Yunel and [[J Alvarez]] for their single entitled "Sin Miedo", released on November 12, 2016, and with [[Diamond Platnumz]] for their single entitled "Marry You", released on February 2, 2017.

On May 8, 2017, Ne-Yo released a single "[[Earn Your Love]]" from his forthcoming seventh album, whilst announcing that the album is slated for a release in 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ne-Yo Releases New Single, "Earn Your Love" Off Forthcoming Album |url=https://www.parlemag.com/2017/05/ne-yo-earn-your-love/ |author=Nia Bennett |work=Parle Magazine |date=May 9, 2017 |access-date=May 14, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ne-Yo Releases New Tupac-Inspired Song 'Earn Ur Love' – LISTEN |url=http://www.capitalxtra.com/news/ne-yo-new-tupac-earn-your-love-listen/#mAeHMHEEMeuFFHiY.97 |publisher=Capital Xtra |date=May 9, 2017 |access-date=May 14, 2017 |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802082222/http://www.capitalxtra.com/news/ne-yo-new-tupac-earn-your-love-listen/#mAeHMHEEMeuFFHiY.97 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A new single, "[[Another Love Song (Ne-Yo song)|Another Love Song]]" was released on May 30, 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Ne-Yo Returns With First Single in Two Years 'Another Love Song' |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7809777/ne-yo-another-love-song |magazine=Billboard |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2017}}</ref> He also made a cameo in the comedy film ''[[Girls Trip]]'', starring [[Queen Latifah]], [[Jada Pinkett Smith]], and [[Regina Hall]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Betancourt |first=Bianca |date=January 24, 2023 |title=A ''Girls Trip'' Sequel Is Finally Happening |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a42639072/girls-trip-sequel-release-date-cast-rumors-details/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206214844/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a42639072/girls-trip-sequel-release-date-cast-rumors-details/ |archive-date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]]}}</ref>

=== 2020–present: New music and ''The Masked Singer'' ===
On March 27, 2020, Ne-Yo collaborated with Jamaican [[dancehall]] singer [[Charly Black]] for a new single, ''Over Again''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dancehallmag.com/2020/03/27/music/charly-black-and-ne-yo-drop-new-collab-over-again-listen.html |title=Charly Black And Ne-Yo Drop New Collab 'Over Again': Listen |date=March 27, 2020 |work=DancehallMag}}</ref>

From 2020 to 2021, Ne-Yo competed as "Badger" in the [[The Masked Singer (British series 2)|second season]] of the [[The Masked Singer (British TV series)|British version]] of ''[[The Masked Singer]]''. He finished as the runner-up to [[Joss Stone]] as "Sausage". He also confirmed that his next album, previously titled ''Sweet Escape'' had been renamed ''[[Self Explanatory (Ne-Yo album)|Self Explanatory]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.distractify.com/p/ne-yo-new-album | title=The Real Reason Ne-Yo Changed the Name of His New Album | date=January 18, 2022 }}</ref> It was released on [[Motown Records]] on July 15, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Self Explanatory |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/self-explanatory/1629963464 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref>

In 2023, Ne-Yo competed in [[The Masked Singer (American season 10)|season ten]] of ''[[The Masked Singer (American TV series)|The Masked Singer]]'' as "Cow" where he won the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-masked-singer-season-10-finale-recap-winner-runner-ups-ne-yo-john-schneider-1235847017/|title=The Masked Singer Season 10 Finale: Winner, Runner-Up Revealed|website=Variety|first=Michael|last=Schneider|date=December 20, 2023|access-date=December 21, 2023}}</ref>

== Artistry ==
=== Musical style and influences ===
Ne-Yo's music is generally [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], while he also incorporates pop and [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] occasionally. His musical influences include [[Michael Jackson]], [[Luther Vandross]], [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]], [[Blackstreet]], and [[Usher (musician)|Usher]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Artist Influences for Ne-Yo |url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/ne-yo/related-artists/?filter=influencedBy |publisher=[[MTV]] |access-date=June 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729121806/http://www.mtv.com/artists/ne-yo/related-artists/?filter=influencedBy |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ne-Yo talks Usher rivalry in BET Honors interview |url=http://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-news/ne-yo-talks-usher-rivalry-in-bet-honors-interview/ |website=Entertainment-focus.com |access-date=June 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808035715/http://www.entertainment-focus.com/music-section/music-news/ne-yo-talks-usher-rivalry-in-bet-honors-interview/ |archive-date=August 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Ne-Yo is noted for his [[tenor]] voice, including his application of [[falsetto]] in his works.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/06/arts/music/aerosmith-and-ne-yo-dont-hold-back.html |title=Aerosmith Puts a Fresh Spin on Its Old Tricks |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |first=Jon Parales |last=Nate Chinen}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/01/ne-yo-red-review |title=Ne-Yo: R.E.D. – review |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=November 1, 2012 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |first=Caroline |last=Sullivan}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/01/26/ne-yo-album-review-non-fiction/22172223/ |title=Album of Week: Ne-Yo wary, worshipful on 'Non-Fiction' |work=[[USA Today]] |date=January 26, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |first=Elysa |last=Gardner}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/feb/11/ne-yo-non-fiction-review |title=Ne-Yo: Non-Fiction review – flatly uninventive |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=February 11, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2018 |first=Tshepo |last=Mokoena}}</ref>

=== Songwriting and production ===
Ne-Yo frequently co-writes with [[Tor Erik Hermansen]] and Mikkel S. Eriksen of the Norwegian production team [[Stargate (production team)|Stargate]]. Ne-Yo met them in a hallway at [[Sony Music Studios]] in New York, and knowing the team produced R&B records, decided to collaborate with them. The collective's early works were tracks from ''In My Own Words'', including "So Sick".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/arts/music/06sisa.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1 |title=Wizards in the Studio, Anonymous on the Street |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=May 6, 2007 |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 25, 2008}}</ref>

Aside from working on his own album, Ne-Yo also collaborates with several other artists. His works include: [[Rihanna]]'s top-ten singles "[[Unfaithful (song)|Unfaithful]]", "[[Russian Roulette (Rihanna song)|Russian Roulette]]", and her number-one hit "[[Take a Bow (Rihanna song)|Take a Bow]]", [[Mario Vazquez]]'s "[[Gallery (Mario Vazquez song)|Gallery]]", [[Paula DeAnda]]'s "[[Walk Away (Remember Me)]]", and [[Beyoncé Knowles]]' ''Billboard'' Hot 100 number-one single "[[Irreplaceable]]", which stayed at the top of the chart for ten consecutive weeks.<ref name="HobbsSex" /> He wrote the song "I'm You" for [[Leona Lewis]]'s debut album ''[[Spirit (Leona Lewis album)|Spirit]]'', and is currently writing songs for her next album and for the debut album of fellow [[The X Factor (UK)|X Factor]] winner [[Alexandra Burke]]. He has also been working with [[Sugababes]] for their [[Sweet 7|seventh album]], with member [[Keisha Buchanan]] confirming that Ne-Yo had written a song called "No More You" for their album.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_8140000/8140234.stm |work=BBC News |title=Sugababes reveal all their gossip |date=July 9, 2009 |access-date=May 20, 2010}}</ref>

In 2010, he dueted with [[Mariah Carey]] on "Angel's Cry", a song for her cancelled album, ''Angels Advocate''. Ne-Yo has also written songs for [[Celine Dion]], [[Whitney Houston]], [[Carrie Underwood]], [[Anastacia]], [[Ciara]], [[Corbin Bleu]], [[Enrique Iglesias]], and [[Dima Bilan]].<ref name="HobbsSex">{{cite news |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30904347_ITM |title=The many roles of Ne-Yo |last=McDonald |first=Sam |date=May 30, 2007 |work=Daily Press |publisher=AccessMyLibrary |access-date=December 24, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112080247/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30904347_ITM |archive-date=January 12, 2009}}</ref> He collaborated with [[Lindsay Lohan]] on her new material, having already finished "[[Bossy (Lindsay Lohan song)|Bossy]]", a pre-single for her new album ''Spirit in the Dark''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20198406,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509000513/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20198406,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |title=Listen to Lindsay Lohan's New Song 'Bossy' |last=Laudadio |first=Marisa |author2=Herndon, Jessica |date=May 7, 2008 |work=People |access-date=December 24, 2008}}</ref> In 2007, Ne-Yo confirmed that he had been contacted by producer [[will.i.am]] to work on what would have been [[Michael Jackson]]'s new album.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/06/07/ne_yo_i_m_not_trying_to_top_thriller |title=Ne-Yo: 'I'm Not Trying To Top 'Thriller' |date=June 7, 2007 |publisher=Starpulse |access-date=December 24, 2008 |archive-date=March 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317063210/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/06/07/ne_yo_i_m_not_trying_to_top_thriller |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, at the time of Jackson's death, Ne-Yo's collaborations with him had yet to move past the writing stage.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.soulofrnb.com/?p=893 |title=Michael Jackson Tribute Tour by The Jacksons, Final Collaborations With NeYo' |date=July 3, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2009}}</ref> In an interview in 2010, Ne-Yo said that, since Jackson's death, he had been confused as what to do with the songs, as he felt that selling them to another artist or even releasing the songs himself would be disrespectful to Jackson's legacy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1644701/20100729/ne_yo.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731193947/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1644701/20100729/ne_yo.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 31, 2010 |title=Ne-Yo 'Doesn't Know What To Do' With Songs He Wrote For Michael Jacksondate |publisher=MTV |date=July 29, 2010 |access-date=July 29, 2010}}</ref> In 2009, he wrote "[[New World/Truth (Saigo no Shinjitsu)|Truth (Saigo no Shinjitsu)]]" for the Japanese pop group [[w-inds.]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/70187/full/ |title=Oricon Style – United States R&B Artist Ne-Yo adds another name to w-inds. roster(Japanese) |date=October 30, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2009}}</ref>

Ne-Yo ventured out to open his own recording studio, called Carrington House, in Atlanta, Georgia.<ref name="FrezzaOpen">{{cite news |url=http://www.soulshine.ca/news/newsarticle.php?nid=4497 |title=Ne-Yo To Open Carrington House Studio |last=Frezza |first=Robert |date=May 29, 2007 |publisher=Soulshine |access-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017100359/http://www.soulshine.ca/news/newsarticle.php?nid=4497 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also had started his own production company, Compound Entertainment, in 2007, and has hired several producers and songwriters in hopes of turning it into a full-fledged [[record label]]. It successfully became a label, and artists such as [[RaVaughn]], [[Paula Campbell (singer)|Paula Campbell]], Sixx John, [[Adrienne Bailon]] and Shanell are now associated with Compound.<ref name="JonesTunes" /><ref name="FrezzaOpen" />

== Other ventures ==
=== Television ===
In 2011, Ne-Yo was approached by [[Cartoon Network]] to help create an animated series. Ne-Yo announced that the show would be titled ''I Heart Tuesday'' and that he had created it for his sister.<ref name="mtv">{{cite web|title=Ne-Yo Creating 'I Heart Tuesday' For Cartoon Network|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659760/ne-yo-i-heart-tuesday-cartoon-network.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314084113/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1659760/ne-yo-i-heart-tuesday-cartoon-network.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 14, 2011|publisher=MTV|access-date=March 25, 2013}}</ref> He also stated that he wanted to avoid having the show resemble the [[anime]] art style of ''[[The Boondocks (TV series)|The Boondocks]]'' due to the potential cost of the show's animation style.<ref name="mtv" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theurbandaily.com/1977155/ne-yo-my-animated-show-wont-look-like-the-boondocks/|title=Ne-Yo: My Animated Show Won't Look Like 'The Boondocks'|author=Michael Arceneaux|website=Theurbandaily.com|date=November 8, 2012|access-date=February 21, 2013}}</ref> The series has since been believed to have been quietly cancelled.

Ne-Yo appeared in an episode of [[CSI: NY (season 7)|the seventh season]] of ''[[CSI: NY]]'' as a hit-man, under his birth name of Shaffer Smith.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653338/ne-yo-guest-star-hit-man-on-csi-ny.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317062947/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1653338/ne-yo-guest-star-hit-man-on-csi-ny.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 17, 2014 |title=Ne-Yo To Guest-Star As Hit Man On 'CSI: NY' |author=James Dinh |website=[[MTV]] |access-date=October 16, 2012}}</ref><ref>Abrams, Natalie (November 30, 2010). [http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ne-Yo-CSINY-1026269.aspx "Ne-Yo to Guest-Star on ''CSI: NY''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204042104/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ne-Yo-CSINY-1026269.aspx |date=December 4, 2010 }}. ''[[TV Guide]]''. Retrieved December 1, 2010.</ref>

In 2011, Ne-Yo appeared in an episode of ''[[The Fresh Beat Band]]'' as himself.<ref>Seidman, Robert (May 17, 2011). [http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/17/ne-yo-guest-stars-in-an-hour-long-special-of-nickelodeons-the-fresh-beat-band-on-june-24/ "Ne-Yo Guest Stars in an Hour-Long Special of Nickelodeon's ''The Fresh Beat Band'' on June 24"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114163618/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/05/17/ne-yo-guest-stars-in-an-hour-long-special-of-nickelodeons-the-fresh-beat-band-on-june-24/ |date=January 14, 2012 }}. ''[[TV by the Numbers]]''. Retrieved October 28, 2011.</ref>

He starred as the [[Tin Woodman|Tin Man]] in [[NBC]]'s [[The Wiz Live!|musical telecast adaptation]] of ''[[The Wiz]]'' alongside [[David Alan Grier]], [[Elijah Kelley]], [[Queen Latifah]], [[Common (rapper)|Common]], [[Amber Riley]], [[Uzo Aduba]] and [[Mary J. Blige]]. The musical telecast premiered December 3, 2015 as a three-hour event. For his performance, he received a [[Critics' Choice Movie Awards|Critics' Choice Award]] nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie made for Television or Limited Series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/17/critics-choice-awards-2016-winners-list|title=Critics' Choice Awards 2016 winners: Full list|website=EW.com|access-date=March 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118122332/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/17/critics-choice-awards-2016-winners-list|archive-date=January 18, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In May 2018, he took part in the [[American Ninja Warrior|Celebrity Ninja Warrior]] special for [[Red Nose Day]]. He completed the course, resulting in a $30,000 donation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2018/04/02/derek-hough-ne-yo-nikki-bella-and-more-take-on-obstacle-course-on-celebrity-ninja-warrior-for-red-nose-day-to-raise-money-for-charity-800510/20180402nbc02/|title=Breaking News - Derek Hough, NE-YO, Nikki Bella and More Take on Obstacle Course on "Celebrity Ninja Warrior for Red Nose Day" to Raise Money For Charity|website=[[The Futon Critic]]|access-date=May 20, 2019}}</ref>

In December 2018, he was the entertainment at [[Miss Universe 2018|67th Miss Universe pageant]] where he performed during the opening and final catwalk.

=== Philanthropy ===
Ne-Yo is passionate about the arts and children and has shown his support for [[Little Kids Rock]] by filming a PSA for the organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.littlekidsrock.org/friends/our-big-fans/ne-yo/|title=OUR BIG FANS: Ne-Yo|website=Little Kids Rock|access-date=January 15, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115021435/http://www.littlekidsrock.org/friends/our-big-fans/ne-yo/|archive-date=January 15, 2014}} Retrieved January 15, 2014</ref>

===Sports management===
In November 2024, Ne-Yo began a stint in sports management, signing boxer [[Paul Bamba]] as his first fighter. Ne-Yo was initially introduced to boxing through his uncles when he was younger and he participated in martial arts classes. Later in life, boxing was incorporated into his workout routine, where he would meet Bamba.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nadkarni |first=Rohan |title=R&B singer Ne-Yo enters professional boxing world as a manager |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/boxing/ne-yo-boxing-manager-rcna181664 |work=[[NBC News]] |date=25 November 2024}}</ref> Bamba would become the [[World Boxing Association]]'s cruiserweight champion in December 2024, and broke [[Mike Tyson|Mike Tyson's]] record for most boxing wins in a calendar year via knockout, with 14 KO's. Bamba died on December 27th, 2024, 6 days after winning the championship.<ref>{{cite news |last=Frost |first=Caroline |title=Paul Bamba Dies: Boxer, Who Claimed World Championship Title 6 Days Ago, Was 35 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/boxer-paul-bamba-dies-35-six-days-after-cruiserweight-world-championship-1236243152/ |work=Deadline |date=28 December 2024}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
=== Family ===
In 2005, Jesseca White, Ne-Yo's girlfriend at the time, gave birth to a boy.<ref name="HobbsSex" /> Ne-Yo later discovered the child was not his.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-09-14-ne-yo-main_N.htm |title=R&B star Ne-Yo flaunts his gentlemanly style |last=Gardner |first=Elysa |date=October 31, 2008 |work=[[USA Today]] |access-date=March 6, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.honeymag.com/2010/honeymag/you-are-the-father-ne-yo-expecting-a-baby-with-girlfriend-monetta/ |title=You ARE the FATHER?! Ne-Yo Expecting a Baby With Girlfriend Monetta style |date=February 22, 2010 |work=Honeymag |access-date=November 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729060939/http://www.honeymag.com/2010/honeymag/you-are-the-father-ne-yo-expecting-a-baby-with-girlfriend-monetta/ |archive-date=July 29, 2010}}</ref>

In June 2010, Ne-Yo told ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]'' that he and his then-girlfriend, Monyetta Shaw, were expecting their first child together – a girl due early in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ne-Yo-Expecting-1019916.aspx |title=Ne-Yo Expecting First Child |work=TV Guide}}</ref> Shaw gave birth prematurely to a daughter in November 2010. Announcing the birth, Ne-Yo said, "I've been in love before but this feels like nothing I've ever felt... like I'm in love for the first time."<ref>{{cite news |last=Silverman |first=Stephen M. |date=November 13, 2010 |title=Ne-Yo Is a New Father |url=https://people.com/parents/ne-yos-girlfriend-monyetta-shaw-has-a-baby-girl/ |website=People}}</ref> Shaw and Ne-Yo's son was born in October 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2496216/ne-yo-a-father-again-welcomes-newborn-son/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617115517/http://www.mtv.com/news/2496216/ne-yo-a-father-again-welcomes-newborn-son/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 17, 2018|title=Ne-Yo A Father Again, Welcomes Newborn Son|first=D. L.|last=Chandler|website=MTV News}}</ref> They broke up in 2013.<ref name="s826">{{cite web | last=Siwak | first=Miranda | title=Ne-Yo's Ex Monyetta Shaw Claims They Split After Threesome 'Problem' | website=Us Weekly | date=2023-08-31 | url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/ne-yos-ex-monyetta-shaw-claims-they-split-after-threesome-problem/ | access-date=2024-12-23}}</ref>

In September 2015, the singer announced that he and Crystal Renay Williams were engaged and expecting a child.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ne-Yo Is Engaged and Expecting a Baby with New Fiancée Crystal Williams |url=http://celebritybabies.people.com/2015/08/31/ne-yo-engaged-expecting-baby-crystal-williams/ |website=People |access-date=September 2, 2015 |archive-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235325/http://celebritybabies.people.com/2015/08/31/ne-yo-engaged-expecting-baby-crystal-williams/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> They were married on February 20, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Jeff |title=NE-YO and Crystal Renay Are Married! Go Inside Their Los Angeles Wedding |date=February 20, 2016 |newspaper=[[People (magazine)|People]] |url=http://www.people.com/article/ne-yo-wedding-married-crystal-renay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222044038/http://www.people.com/article/ne-yo-wedding-married-crystal-renay |archive-date=February 22, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> A son was born to them in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=NE-YO Welcomes Son Shaffer Chimere Jr. |url=http://celebritybabies.people.com/2016/03/16/neyo-welcomes-son-shaffer-chimere-jr/ |website=People |access-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422025937/http://celebritybabies.people.com/2016/03/16/neyo-welcomes-son-shaffer-chimere-jr/? |url-status=dead }}</ref> Their second son was born in June 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Dave |date=June 16, 2018 |title=NE-YO's Wife Crystal Smith Shares First Photos of Their 'Beautiful' Son Roman — See the Pics! |url=https://people.com/parents/ne-yo-wife-crystal-smith-son-roman-first-pictures/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=People |language=en}}</ref> In February 2020, Ne-Yo announced that he and Crystal would end their marriage,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8551151/ne-yo-confirms-divorce-crystal-smith|title=Ne-Yo Confirms Split With Crystal Smith: 'I Will Always Respect Her'|first=Hilary|last=Hughes|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=February 16, 2020|access-date=February 17, 2020}}</ref> and he withdrew his divorce case afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=J. |date=2020-04-17 |title=(Not) So Sick: Ne-Yo Files - Then Withdraws - Divorce Papers Against Estranged Wife Crystal Renay (Exclusive) |url=https://bossip.com/1868698/ne-yo-files-then-withdraws-divorce-papers-against-estranged-wife-crystal-renay-restraining-order-in-play-exclusive/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Bossip}}</ref> The pair reconciled during the onset of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in 2020, with Ne-Yo telling CBS chat show ''The Talk'': "Before the quarantine happened, we were definitely talking divorce, and the quarantine forced us to sit still, block out the noise from the world – you know the world can get very, very loud, and we tend to let the world's opinion mean more in certain situations than it should."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Jared |date=2021-01-01 |title=Ne-Yo proposes to wife Crystal Smith on New Year's after rekindling marriage |url=https://thegrio.com/2021/01/01/neyo-proposes-to-wife-crystal-smith-nye/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=TheGrio |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Owoseje |first=Toyin |date=2021-02-22 |title=Ne-Yo 'overjoyed' as he and Crystal Smith prepare to welcome their third baby |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/22/entertainment/ne-yo-baby-number-5-crystal-smith-intl-scli/index.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

Ne-Yo and Crystal's third child, a daughter, was born in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=2021-06-25 |title=Ne-Yo & Wife Crystal Smith Welcome Their Third Child Together, His Fifth |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9592921/ne-yo-wife-crystal-smith-gives-birth-his-fifth-child/ |access-date=June 26, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |language=en}}</ref> In April 2022, the couple renewed their vows in a Las Vegas ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uwumarogie |first=Victoria |date=2022-04-26 |title=Ne-Yo And Crystal Smith Renewed Their Vows In A Showstopping All Red Affair |url=https://www.essence.com/love/neyo-wedding/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Essence |language=en-US}}</ref> Four months later, Crystal filed for divorce, with allegations of Ne-Yo fathering a child outside of marriage.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Brockington |first1=Ariana |last2=Dasrath |first2=Diana |date=August 4, 2022 |title=Ne-Yo's Wife, Crystal Smith, Files For Divorce, Says He Fathered a Child With His 'Paramour' |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/popculture/ne-yo-wife-crystal-smith-divorce-rcna41640 |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=Today |language=en}}</ref> On January 26, 2023, Ne-Yo and Crystal finalized their divorce.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Charmaine |date=February 6, 2023 |title=NE-YO and Crystal Renay's Divorce Finalized 6 Months After She Accused Him of Having Baby with Another Woman |url=https://people.com/music/ne-yo-crystal-renay-divorce-finalized/ |access-date=February 9, 2023 |website=People |language=en}}</ref>

In 2019, in wake of the [[television documentary]], ''[[Surviving R. Kelly]]'', Ne-Yo confirmed his support for the [[Mute R. Kelly]] campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahlangu |first=Quincy |date=January 11, 2019 |title=Ne-Yo says R Kelly shouldn't be compared to Michael Jackson |url=https://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/ne-yo-says-r-kelly-shouldnt-be-compared-to-michael-jackson-20190111 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112120935/https://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/ne-yo-says-r-kelly-shouldnt-be-compared-to-michael-jackson-20190111 |archive-date=2019-01-12 |access-date=April 18, 2020 |website=Channel |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, he revealed being in a [[polyamorous]] relationship with four women.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nevares |first=Gabriel Bras |date=2025-03-08 |title=Ne-Yo Dives Into His Polyamorous Relationship And Explains His Four Girlfriends' Roles |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/892367-ne-yo-polyamorous-relationship-four-girlfriends-roles-music-news |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Turner-Williams |first=Jaelani |date=March 8, 2025 |title=Ne-Yo Says There's 'Beauty' In Dating Four Women |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/ne-yo-says-theres-beauty-in-girlfriends-knowing-each-other |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref>

=== Legal issues ===
On February 19, 2008, Ne-Yo was arrested for [[reckless driving]] and driving without a valid license after driving through [[Cobb County, Georgia]] in his 2006 [[Range Rover]]. It was reported that he was doing about 150&nbsp;mph, 100&nbsp;mph over the speed limit. On June 2, 2008, Ne-Yo pleaded guilty to the driving without a valid license charge and no contest to the reckless driving charge. He was sentenced to 24 hours of community service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.tmz.com/2008/02/22/ne-yo-busted-because-of-himself/ |title=Cops: Ne-Yo Was Driving CRAZY! |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=February 22, 2008 |publisher=[[TMZ.com|TMZ]] |access-date=December 24, 2008}}</ref>

In 1998, Ne-Yo signed a management agreement with David Wallace for seven years that Wallace would provide professional management services for Ne-Yo in exchange for 15%. But shortly after, the singer moved to [[Los Angeles]] where his career started to blossom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Cy |date=2014-09-29 |title=Contract dispute involving singer Ne-Yo headed back to Las Vegas court |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/sep/29/contract-dispute-involving-singer-ne-yo-headed-bac/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Las Vegas Sun |language=en}}</ref> Tanya Wallace maintains David Wallace tried to contact Ne-Yo several times by telephone but was unsuccessful. In 2007, Wallace filed a complaint against Smith in district court, seeking damages for breach of contract and other claims. While litigation was pending, Wallace divorced his wife, Tanya, and the divorce decree awarded Tanya one-half of the proceeds from any future judgment in the lawsuit. The district court later dismissed the case and while Wallace's appeal was pending, he died in 2012.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}<ref>{{Cite web|title= Wallace v. Smith | date= March 5, 2018 |url=https://casetext.com/case/wallace-v-smith-15|language=en|access-date= October 6, 2024}}</ref>

On August 22, 2011, Ne-Yo was sued along with rapper [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]] and DJ [[Afrojack]] by actress [[Lindsay Lohan]], claiming that their song "Give Me Everything" referenced her by name in the lyrics. A judge ruled that Pitbull's use of her name was protected by the [[First Amendment]] and that Lohan was barely mentioned in the song. Pitbull then won the lawsuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=665489&gt1=28102 |title=Lindsay Lohan sues Pitbull – MSN Music News |publisher=MSN |access-date=October 31, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921005353/http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=665489&gt1=28102 |archive-date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>

On March 22, 2023, Ne-Yo was revealed to have been charged by the [[United States Securities and Exchange Commission]] for violating investor-protection laws. Ne-Yo settled the charges for over $400,000 without admitting or denying the claims.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/business/3913168-sec-charges-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-with-crypto-violations/|title=SEC charges Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul with crypto violations|first=Julia|last=Mueller|work=The Hill|date=March 22, 2023|accessdate=April 2, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=March 22, 2023 |title=Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul, Lil Yachty Among Celebrities Charged In SEC Crypto Case |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/crypto-charges-lindsay-lohan-jake-paul-lil-yachty-celebrities-1235307430/ |accessdate=April 2, 2023 |work=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=}}</ref>

=== Health ===
In August 2017, Ne-Yo announced he had adopted a [[Veganism|vegan]] diet after viewing the documentary ''[[What the Health]]''. In February 2019, he said in an interview that he had lost "like 30 pounds" and had also reversed his [[Tendinopathy|tendinitis]] since he became vegan, calling it "one of the best things he's ever done".<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 18, 2019 |title=Ne-Yo sheds 30 pounds thanks to veganism |url=http://www.contactmusic.net/ne-yo/news/ne-yo-sheds-30-pounds-thanks-to-veganism_6268516 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503043418/https://www.contactmusic.net/ne-yo/news/ne-yo-sheds-30-pounds-thanks-to-veganism_6268516 |archive-date=2019-05-03 |access-date=2020-01-06 |website=[[Contactmusic.com]] |language=en-US}}</ref> However, his representative confirmed in March 2020 that he was no longer a vegan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Renae |first=Kirstie |date=March 13, 2020 |title=13 musicians who have followed a vegan diet |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/famous-singers-musicians-who-have-been-vegan |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Comments about transgender youth ===
During a television appearance in 2023, Ne-Yo made comments that were critical of [[transgender youth]] and [[gender affirming care]] for children.<ref name =LATimes>{{Cite news |last=Carras |first=Christi |date=2023-08-08 |title=Ne-Yo apologizes for transphobic comments, then doubles down: 'My opinion is mine' |language=en |website=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-08-08/neyo-transphobic-comments-apology |access-date=2023-08-10}}</ref><ref name =USA>{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Patrick |date=2023-08-08 |title=Ne-Yo says he'll 'never be OK' with gender-affirming care for kids: 'I feel very strongly' |language=en |website=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/08/08/ne-yo-gender-affirming-care-kids/70548927007/ |access-date=2023-08-10}}</ref> He later posted an apology for his comments.<ref name=LATimes /><ref name=USA /> The following day, Ne-Yo retracted his apology and suggested that the apology had come from a publicist.<ref name=USA /><ref name =Rolling>{{Cite news |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=2023-08-08 |title=Ne-Yo Walks Back Apology, Doubles Down on Controversial Gender Identity Comments |language=en |website=The Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ne-yo-walks-back-apology-for-comments-about-childrens-gender-identity-1234802497/ |access-date=2023-08-10}}</ref>

== Discography ==
{{Main|Ne-Yo discography}}

;Studio albums
* ''[[In My Own Words]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Because of You (Ne-Yo album)|Because of You]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Year of the Gentleman]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Libra Scale]] '' (2010)
* ''[[R.E.D. (Ne-Yo album)|R.E.D.]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Non-Fiction (Ne-Yo album)|Non-Fiction]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Good Man (album)|Good Man]]'' (2018)
* ''Another Kind of Christmas'' (2019)
* ''[[Self Explanatory (Ne-Yo album)|Self Explanatory]]'' (2022)

== Tour ==

* [[Champagne and Roses Tour]] (2023–2024)

==Filmography==

===Film===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Save the Last Dance 2]]''
| Mixx
| Video
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Stomp the Yard]]''
| Rich Brown
| <ref>Carroll, Larry (January 3, 2007). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1548995/neyo-chris-brown-step-up-big-screen.jhtml "Ne-Yo, Chris Brown Open Up About Stepping Up For ''Stomp The Yard''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127222621/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1548995/neyo-chris-brown-step-up-big-screen.jhtml |date=November 27, 2011 }}. [[MTV]]. Retrieved August 26, 2011.</ref>
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Battle: Los Angeles]]''
| Specks
| <ref>[http://movies.ign.com/articles/115/1154319p1.html "''Battle: Los Angeles'' Review"]. (March 10, 2011). ''[[IGN]]''. Retrieved April 6, 2011.</ref>
|-
| 2012
| ''[[Red Tails]]''
| Andrew 'Smoky' Salem
| <ref>[https://www.starwars.com/themovies/other/redtailsrelease.html "''Red Tails'' Finishes Casting and Begins Production"]. (April 6, 2009). ''StarWars.com''. Retrieved August 25, 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035509/http://www.starwars.com/themovies/other/redtailsrelease.html |date=June 29, 2011 }}</ref>
|-
|rowspan=2| 2015
| ''[[Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!]]''
| Secret Service Agent Deveroux
| rowspan=2| TV movie
|-
| ''[[The Wiz Live!]]''
| The Tin-Man 
|-
|rowspan=2| 2017
| ''[[Girls Trip]]''
| Himself
| 
|-
| ''Down by Love''
| Martin (voice)
| Short
|-
| 2021
| ''Hip Hop Family Christmas''
| rowspan=2| Jayson Shannon
| rowspan=2| TV movie
|-
|rowspan=2| 2022
| ''Hip Hop Family Christmas Wedding''
|-
| ''The Sound of Christmas''
| Quentin
| 
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 2005
| ''CosmoGIRL! Spy''
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo"
|-
|rowspan=3| 2006
| ''[[Walmart Soundcheck]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo"
|-
| ''[[It's Showtime at the Apollo]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo/Ghostface Killah"
|-
| ''[[Top of the Pops]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Episode #43.12" & "#43.24" 
|-
|rowspan=4| 2007
| ''[[MTV Cribs]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Episode #14.3"
|-
| ''SBC Blue Room''
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo"
|-
| ''[[Wild 'N Out]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "The Jump Off Special"
|-
| ''The City That Never Sleeps''
| Himself
| Episode: "2008 Spring/Summer Hugo Boss Fashion Show"
|-
|rowspan=3| 2008
| ''[[Las Vegas (TV series)|Las Vegas]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Guess Who's Coming to Breakfast"
|-
| ''[[The Real Housewives of New York City]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Fashion Week"
|-
| ''[[All My Children]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Episode #1.9878" & "#1.9879" 
|-
|rowspan=2| 2009
| ''[[Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "I Heart Lily Tomlin"
|-
| ''[[The Electric Company (2009 TV series)|The Electric Company]]''
| Himself
| Recurring Cast: Season 1
|-
|rowspan=5| 2010
| ''[[Popstars: Girls forever]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Popstars: Girls forever"
|-
| ''[[Private Sessions]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo"
|-
| ''[[The Real Housewives of Atlanta]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Model Behavior"
|-
| ''Hot 50 of 2010 Countdown''
| Himself
| Episode: "30 to 20... Avant, Doug E. Fresh"
|-
| ''Pop Profiles''
| Himself
| Episode: "Usher" & "Rihanna" 
|-
|rowspan=3| 2011
| ''[[The Fresh Beat Band]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Band in a Jam: Part 1"
|-
| ''[[The X Factor (American TV series)|The X Factor]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Live Season Finale, Part 2 of 2"
|-
| ''[[CSI: NY]]''
| The Handsome Man
| Episode: "[[CSI: NY (season 7)#ep154|Smooth Criminal]]"
|-
|rowspan=8| 2012
| ''[[90210 (TV series)|90210]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "99 Problems"
|-
| ''[[Empire Girls: Julissa and Adrienne]]''
| Himself/Adrienne's Mentor
| Episode: "Triple Threat, Baby!" & "Oh Say Can You See"
|-
| ''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]''
| Himself/Guest Mentor
| Episode: "Judges Home Visit 1 & 2"
|-
| ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]''
| Himself/Host
| Episode: "Episode #26.6"
|-
| ''[[X Factor (German TV series)|X Factor]]''
| Himself/Guest Mentor
| Episode: "Das große Finale"
|-
| ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Jamie Foxx/Ne-Yo"
|-
| ''Huff Post's BV 365''
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo and Luke James"
|-
| ''[[The Voice (American TV series)|The Voice]]''
| Himself/Adviser
| Recurring Adviser: Seasons 2-3
|-
| 2012-13
| ''[[American Idol]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Top 7 Results" & "Episode #12.22"
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Styled to Rock (American TV series)|Styled to Rock]]''
| Himself/Guest Mentor
| Episode: "Hollywood Glam For Khloe"
|-
|rowspan=3| 2015
| ''[[Ridiculousness (TV series)|Ridiculousness]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo"
|-
| ''Follow Me''
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo"
|-
| ''[[Empire (2015 TV series)|Empire]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Be True"
|-
|rowspan=4| 2016
| ''[[Kocktails with Khloé]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Raise Your Glass"
|-
| '' [[America's Got Talent]]''
| Himself/Guest Judge
| Episode: "Judge Cuts 1"
|-
| ''[[The Mindy Project]]''
| Marcus
| Episode: "Baby Got Backslide" & "The Greatest Date in the World"
|-
| ''[[TripTank]]''
| All Voices for Loud Ninja (voice)
| Episode: "Sick Day"
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Lip Sync Battle]]''
| Himself
| Episode "Taye Diggs vs. Ne-Yo"
|-
| 2017-19
| ''[[Hollywood Game Night]]''
| Himself/Celebrity Player
| Recurring Guest 
|-
| 2017-20
| ''[[World of Dance (TV series)|World of Dance]]''
| Himself/Judge
| Main Judge
|-
| 2018
| ''[[American Ninja Warrior]]''
| Himself
| Episode "Red Nose Day: Celebrity Ninja Warrior"
|-
| 2018-23
| ''[[Step Up: High Water]]''
| Sage Odom
| Main Cast
|-
| 2019 
| ''[[The Substitute (American TV series)|The Substitute]]'' 
| Himself
| Episode: "Ne-Yo"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2019/11/15/the-substitute-ne-yo-transformation-first-look-photos/|title=''The Substitute'' Holiday Episode: NE-YO Goes Undercover & Is Unrecognizable — First Look Photos|work=[[Hollywood Life]]|last=Thompson|first=Avery|date=November 15, 2019|access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref>
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Nickelodeon's Unfiltered]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Porcupines Rock High Tops!"
|-
| 2020-21
| ''[[The Masked Singer (British series 2)|The Masked Singer UK]]''
| Badger
| Contestant: Season 2<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2021/02/13/the-masked-singer-badger-revealed-as-11th-celebrity-eliminated-14078026/|title=The Masked Singer: Badger revealed as Ne-Yo contestant eliminated|date=February 13, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan=3| 2022
| ''Urban One Honors''
| Himself/Host
| Main Host
|-
| ''[[Basketball Wives]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Episode #10.4"
|-
| ''[[Dance Monsters]]''
| Himself/Panelist
| Main Panelist
|-
|rowspan=4| 2023
| ''[[Soul of a Nation]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Soul of a Nation Presents: Black in Vegas"
|-
| ''Celebrity Game Face''
| Himself
| Episode: "Music Hitmakers Edition"
|-
| ''Black Pop: Celebrating the Power of Black Culture''
| Himself
| Episode: "Music"
|-
| ''[[The Masked Singer (American TV series)|The Masked Singer]]''
|Contestant
|Performed as "Cow" in Season 10, winner
|-
|2024–present
|[[BMF (TV series)|''BMF'']]
| Greeny
| Season 3 (recurring)
|}

== Awards and nominations ==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Ne-Yo}}
Ne-Yo has received several nominations at the [[Grammy Award]]s during his career, winning three; [[Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album|Best Contemporary R&B Album]] for ''Because of You'', [[Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance|Best Male R&B Vocal Performance]] and [[Grammy Award for Best R&B Song|Best R&B Song]] for "[[Miss Independent (Ne-Yo song)|Miss Independent]]". The [[MTV Video Music Awards]] has nominated Ne-Yo in 2008 for [[Best Dancing in a Video]] for "Closer".

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
*{{allMusic}}
* {{IMDb name}}

{{Ne-Yo}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Ne-Yo|Awards for Ne-Yo]]
|list =
{{BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album}}
{{Grammy Award for Best R&B Song}}
}}
{{Def Jam}}

{{Authority control}}

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