Ne-yo - Ne-Yo signs artist during gig

Ne-Yo signs artist during gig

Ne-Yo surprised new artist Sonna Rele by signing her to Motown Records last night (07.03.13).

The 'Closer' star invited the London-born singer - who he discovered on Facebook - on stage with him at Under the Bridge venue in Chelsea where he offered her to opportunity to join the iconic label, which has been home to Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Temptations.

Speaking about Ne-Yo - who is Vice President of A& R at Motown - Sonna exclusively told BANG Showbiz: ''I have a lot of respect for him, he's an amazing artist, an amazing songwriter. I feel like I've got a really good team around me where I can kind of grow as a songwriter and an artist.

''I'm smiling from ear-to-ear right now. I'm really, really excited.''

The 25- year old has already worked with Fugees star Wyclef Jean and music producer Dallas Austin, who between them have worked with likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, TLC, Boys II Men and Gwen Stefani.

Speaking of her experience of the music industry so far, she added: ''You learn so much from these cats cause they're constantly doing it every day of their lives, so without them even having to sit you down and teach you things, you pick them up.''

Having previously been signed to Sony records in 2010, Sonna said she feels a lot more prepared this time around.

She added: ''I'm a lot more ready to be in this kind of situation now. You sort of prepare yourself before stuff like this happens, by practicing and developing. I feel ready for it.''

Sonna Rele is due to perform with Ne-Yo at London's The O2 next Friday (15/03/13).

Ne-Yo performed in London as part of MasterCard's Priceless Gigs Series.

Register for tickets at PricelessLondon.co.uk for the chance to see your favourite artists for free at intimate venues.