Quote: "There's no recreating what Michael Jackson and Diana Ross did in The Wiz. We’re trying to figure out who these characters are in 2015. How would these times change their motives, change the things they would say and do? I’m trying to bring something new to the Tin Man. He may be the one without the heart, but he’s the most heartfelt guy there." Ne-Yo insists the new TV The Wiz will be a very modern version of the original movie musical.
Fact: Ne-Yo has recorded his rendition of Robin Williams' ALADDIN tune FRIEND LIKE ME for a new compilation of Disney tunes. The track will be the first single off the We Love Disney album, produced by David Foster. The project also features reworked Disney classics by Ariana Grande, Jessie J, Jason Derulo and Gwen Stefani, who sings beloved Muppets tune The Rainbow Connection.
Fact: R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo became a principal for a day at New York City's The High School of Fashion Industries on Tuesday (14Apr15). The Closer hitmaker was given the temporary job as part of a contest sponsored by the Get Schooled organisation, which encourages low income students to seek higher education.
Fact: R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo took inspiration from his aunt's break-up when writing Beyonce's hit song Irreplaceable. During the split, Ne-Yo recalls the ex-boyfriend asking about his leather jacket, and the star's aunt simply answered, "To the left", pointing to a box full of his items.
Quote: "I recall my mum tried to teach me how to fry chicken once and I almost burned down half the kitchen... I don't think I have the patience for cooking. I'm the type of guy to put the water on the stove and then walk away, and 10 seconds later be like, 'Come on, boil!'" R&B star Ne-Yo admits he is a disaster in the kitchen.
Fact: R&B superstar, Ne-Yo has splashed out $520,000 (£320,955) on a new rural home in Alpharetta, Georgia. The gated property has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and sits on two acres of farmland.
Quote: "I'm still putting stuff together for Beyonce's album. They're still trying to figure out what they want that to be, which I'm not mad at. Beyonce's the kind of artist where you're not gonna see it 'til it's right. And her fans - they love her so they'll be patient." R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo tells Billboard.com the Crazy In Love hitmaker is still far from completing her highly-anticipated fifth solo album, the follow up to 2011's 4.
Quote: "I'm still writing for her... I just recently got a call to do some more songs, so I know she's doing some more work." Singer/songwriter Ne-Yo on working with Celine Dion.
Quote: "I've been a huge Adele fan since I heard her album 19. I'm waiting for the day that me and her get in the studio together." R&B star Ne-Yo wants to work with the British soul sensation.
Fact: Singer Ne-Yo has a new neighbour - fellow R&B star Trey Songz is set to move into a new mansion in the Hollywood Hills, next to the So Sick hitmaker's home. Songz will pay $35,000 (£21,875) a month from 1 April (13) to rent the lavish 10-bedroom, 12-bathroom pad, which boasts its own gym, movie theatre and elevator, according to Tmz.com.
Quote: "This might be a little better than the Grammys. I don't ever remember getting served a meal at the Grammys. They got food here and drinks… It's better than the Grammys. The Grammys (organisers) need to take a page out of the Brits' book and serve food next year. I think that might make the show that much better..." Singer Ne-Yo prefers the U.K.'s Brit Awards to America's Grammys.
Quote: "That's one of the biggest compliments you can give a singer. They're saying your voice is good enough to get it on to. There's no bigger compliment. It's right up there with a Grammy." R&B star Ne-Yo is flattered lovers use his music as the soundtrack for their bedroom antics.
Quote: "I think it would be a great, great thing, I don't want to talk to much about it, because I don't want to get in no trouble... Conversations have been had, but that's about it. If it happens, I'd be more than willing to do it." Ne-Yo is keen to become the next American Idol judge.
Fact: Singer Ne-Yo performed at a party in New York on Wednesday (06Feb13) to mark the launch of a new clothing line for U.S. chain Target. Guests at the Manhattan bash included Elizabeth Olsen and Carey Mulligan.
Fact: R&B star Ne-Yo gave his little girl a second birthday moment to remember when he brought her onstage following a performance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in America on Tuesday (13Nov12). The studio audience cheered as the proud dad held Madeline in his arms.
Fact: R&B star Ne-Yo celebrated his 30th birthday in New York City on Wednesday (17Oct12) by dining at Acme with his best pals actor/model Tyson Beckford, singer Estelle and rapper Fabolous. The So Sick hitmaker officially marked the age milestone on Thursday (18Oct12).
Quote: "I can't deal with the supersexy, stupid chick." Ne-Yo on the girls he tries to avoid.
Fact: R+B sensations Ne-Yo and Rihanna are looking to capitalise on their sudden fame by teaming up for a duet. The couple have recorded a ballad called UNFAITHFUL, which will hit the charts this summer (06).
Fact: US album chart-topper Ne-Yo isn't wasting time in getting into the movies - he's started shooting STEP SHOW in Atlanta, Georgia. The R+B hunk hit the top of the US charts yesterday (08MAR06) with his debut album IN MY OWN WORDS.
Fact: Rap star Ne-Yo's name is a reference to NEO, the character played by Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. A friend gave Ne-Yo - real name SHAFFER SMITH - the nickname, saying that he saw music the way Neo sees the Matrix in the movie.