Ne-Yo Talks the Grammys, 'The Voice,' Fashion and Valentine's Day Romance [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]
At a launch party on Feb. 6 for designer Prabal Gurung's new spring collection, R&B singer Ne-Yo spoke to Enstars exclusively about everything from the Grammys and The Voice, to his upcoming projects and collaborations in music, and also what the Let Me Love You singer has planned for Valentine's Day.
Held at Pier 57 in New York City, the event gave attendees a chance to preview clothes from Gurung's new collection before it sells in Target stores for a limited time starting Feb. 10.
Being that the event was about fashion, Ne-Yo talked about his fashion sense and revealed that though he is "not really the trend follower person," he is willing to try pops of color this spring.
"For me it's gonna be about color this spring. I'm normally not a color guy [but] I'm gonna try incorporating a little bit more color into my wardrobe this spring," he said. "More brighter colors - reds, the lighter side of green, blue. Just the more brighter, happier colors. I'm a happy guy."
At the event on Feb. 6, the 30-year-old performed his hit songs Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself, Give Me Everything, Let's Go and another song off of his new album R.E.D.
He will go on tour beginning in March and continue to travel for the rest of the year. Before then, he revealed that he is writing music for Celine Dion and working with Beyoncé on a project as well.
Commenting on her performance recently at the Super Bowl halftime show, Ne-Yo said about Sasha Fierce "I think she did a fantastic job. You can't expect any less from Beyoncé. It's Beyoncé."
Until he makes his tour bus his new home for the rest of year, Ne-Yo is preparing to present at the Grammys on Feb. 10. He is not nominated this year and will be attending the event merely for pleasure, adding that he is excited to see what Justin Timberlake does for his performance - a return to the stage after a nearly seven-year hiatus from music.
"I'm interested to see what [he's] gonna do," Ne-Yo said. "I'm digging the Suit & Tie thing. I'm happy that he's keeping the gentlemen thing alive. "
Would he want to work with the Sexy Back singer in the near future? "Absolutely," he replied. "Justin if you're listening, give me a call."
Born Shaffer Chimere Smith in Camden, Ark., Ne-Yo was a songwriter before taking the microphone and becoming a singer himself. His stage name is taken from Keanu Reeves' character in The Matrix, according to IMDb. He is also a record producer, a dancer and an actor.
He was an advisor on the reality TV completion The Voice in its second season and had some advice for the new mentors. Hips Don't Lie singer Shakira and Burn performer Usher will replace Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green, both who left the show to focus on recording new music and touring.
Though he said "it's hard to replace the original anything," Ne-Yo believes Usher and Shakira will be strong mentors on the NBC reality show.
"I feel like both of them have been in the business long enough to definitely have some good some good advice to give someone on their way up," he said. "The show started with Christina and Cee lo so they definitely got their work cut out for them. [But] I think it's a good fit.
He relayed some advice for the new mentors debuting on the show's third season. Most importantly, according to the singer, is to just be honest: "You're not helping these kids by lying to them. Just be honest about the whole thing. Be brutally, painfully honest."
With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, the singer could not escape questions about his love life. Though he kept mum about who he is dating, he did talk about the most romantic thing he is willing to do for a woman and it includes a home cooked meal.
"I'm gonna write a letter, I'm gonna write a poem... a song. I'm gonna try to make dinner and I don't cook well. So if I try to cook dinner know than you're really really special," he said.
"[I'd make] whatever it is she'd like. I'd figure out what her favorite food is without her telling me and then I would attempt to cook it. I'd probably fail at that but in that I attempted she would probably be impressed."