People News

Ne-Yo 'starstruck' by Beyonce

Jan 24, 2013, 17:03 GMT

Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo still gets starstruck by Beyonce.

The 'Let Me Love You' hitmaker and songwriter - who is currently working with the R&B superstar on her hotly-anticipated fifth studio album - admits that despite being a long-time collaborator, he is still in awe of the 31-year-old beauty.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, he said: 'I absolutely still get starstruck. I just recently did some sessions with Beyonce. I've met her a million times but every time she steps into a room, it's like, 'Wow'. That's what happens when you appreciate and respect an artist - being starstruck never goes away.'

The 30-year-old crooner - who penned Beyonce's 2006 hit 'Irreplaceable' - came to the singer's defence following criticism over alleged lip-synching when she sang the American national anthem during President Barack Obama's inauguration on Monday (21.01.13), insisting Beyonce is more than capable of singing live

He argued: 'I didn't see the inauguration so I can't comment on her performance, but I will say that people can be so judgmental on anything an artist does, so of course Beyonce will be no exception to that rule. People are always going to be making comments, everybody is a damn expert at everything.

'You know what that woman is capable of, you know what she can do, so whether she's singing live or lip synching, whatever the case may be, just enjoy the damn music and shut up.'

Ne-Yo is set to kick off his latest UK arena tour, supported by Tulisa, at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena on March 6.

Ne-Yo UK tour dates 2013:

Mar 6, Newcastle - Metro Radio Arena

Mar 7, Liverpool - Echo Arena

Mar 9, Manchester - Manchester Arena

Mar 13, Glasgow - SECC Arena

Mar 14, Birmingham - LG Arena

Mar 15, London - The O2