Ne-Yo was honored on Wednesday at the opening night of his Human Love Rebellion residency at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas.
The Grammy-winning singer was presented with a key to Las Vegas and a formal proclamation from Mayor Carolyn Goodman, declaring Aug. 7 as Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith Day.
Early in the show, Mayor Goodman surprised the Las Vegas native on stage to celebrate his successful career and philanthropic contributions to the city.
An emotional Ne-Yo read the proclamation aloud to the audience, who was in awe of the moment.
“Key to the City of Las Vegas presented to Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith, with gratitude to and in celebration of Las Vegas’ own superstar. We celebrate your many achievements, and we thank you for giving back to your hometown,” he said.
Moments after, Mayor Goodman jokingly said, “I want you to know yours has extra jewels for the one that we gave to Usher two months ago.” (Usher received his key to Las Vegas on Oct. 17, 2023, which was also declared Usher Raymond Day.)
Following more cheers from the audience, Ne-Yo grabbed the mic to make light of the moment. “You got me up here emotional, I’m trying to be fly,” he joked. “I can’t cry in this suit.”
Ne-Yo’s three-night residency resumes Aug. 9 and concludes Aug. 10. Ahead of his residency, Ne-Yo posted a video on social media sharing what it means for him.
“This is truly a full circle moment for me. I grew up here. Went to Las Vegas Academy for Theatre, Visual and Performing Arts, graduated from Rancho High School. My first real entertainment job was being an understudy for the MGM Grand show EFX,” he wrote in the caption.
“And now I’m BACK in the city that made me with my very own residency! I’m honored, I’m proud and I’m READY!!”
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The diamond-selling singer is now an independent artist. In June, he announced his departure from Motown Records and released his new single “2 Million Secrets” via his label Compound Entertainment.
“It’s a blessing to be in this position to control my own destiny as an independent artist,” said Ne-Yo. “My artistry means everything to me and I’m excited to embrace this new beginning with ‘2 Million Secrets.’ It’s a personal song that took growth to write, but I’m proud to share it with the world.”
Ne-Yo also released a seven-minute cinematic video for “2 Million Secrets” that showcases his acting skills. In the self-directed dramatic clip, he plays an undercover agent sent on a mission to gain intel on a queen pin.
Speaking of acting, Ne-Yo will star in the Lifetime original movie Held Hostage in My House. The psychological thriller premieres Saturday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m. ET on the network.
Held Hostage in My House also stars Amy Smart (Starship Troopers), Matt Davis (Legally Blonde), Billy Zane (Back to the Future), and Greer Grammer (Awkward).
“I personally feel like this is the kind of movie that all audiences can get into, be you a fan of that film that just gives it all to you up front or be you a fan of the film that makes you think a little bit, you’re going to find something about this film to appreciate,” Ne-Yo said.
Watch Ne-Yo get honored with his own day and key to Las Vegas below.
Watch @mayoroflasvegas present @NeYoCompound with a key to the city ️ pic.twitter.com/hy3LGCUEP1
— City of Las Vegas (@CityOfLasVegas) August 8, 2024
