Ne-Yo during his ‘Year of the Gentleman Tour’ concert at the SM Mall of Asia last Jan. 9, 2010. (Photo by JUDE L. BAUTISTA)

Ne-Yo’s concert at the SM Mall of Asia last Jan. 9, 2010 was not just a showcase of his latest songs and “Year of The Gentleman” album. Ne-Yo was able to pay homage to “The Best Entertainer Who Ever Lived:” Michael Jackson. After starting the capacity crowd off with his Billboard Top 10 hits “Because of You” and “Stay with Me,” he sang a Jackson Five medley.

Fans know Ne-Yo as one of the most prolific and talented songwriters of his generation having collaborated with the biggest artists. Everyone from Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Rihanna have sung his lyrics and music. Apart from the singing and music, Ne-Yo easily executed the trademark Michael Jackson dance moves. He added his own flair to the high kick and tilt of the hat that have been identified with MJ. Will I. Am of “The Black Eyed Peas” recruited Ne-Yo as a songwriter for what was supposed to be Jackson’s comeback album.

Local super band Rivermaya was one of the preparatory acts. They energized the crowd with their classic hits “Elesi,” “Kisapmata” and “Posible.” Drummer Mark Escueta celebrated his birthday on stage with a solo. Eurasia a sexy all-girl group similar to the Pussycat Dolls also heated up the show. The group has members that have an international descent such as Kelly Gamboa (half British), Lana Roi (half German), Sara Polverini (half Italian), Kristine Nieto (half Japanese) and Gail Nicolas who was born and bred here in the Philippines. Local celebrities were also on hand to watch the concert. Ne-Yo pointed to Kris Lawrence in the crowd and said, “Why are you wearing that hat? Don’t worry it looks better on you.” Billy Crawford and Nikki Gil were seen in the crowd.

Another indication of his success apart from the platinum sales of his albums is the popularity of his ring back tunes here in the country. By the fourth song the audience was in a non-stop party. The heavy bass and quick beats of “Sexy Love,” “Mad,” “Part of the List,” “Fade Into the Background,” “So Sick” and “Do You” came one after the other. Through out the songs, he never stopped his impressive dance moves which are distinctly his. One of the choreographies included him and his back up dancers leaping high off a chair.

Just when audiences couldn’t get more excited, he performs “Irreplaceable,” the hit he wrote for Beyoncé. As a testament to his vocal abilities he was able to pull it off with as much aplomb as the original. That is considering the fact that people identify the song with a female voice as powerful and distinctive as hers.

There was no let up in the pace of songs as he went on with “Take A Bow,” “Let Me Love You,” “Spotlight” and “Knock You Down.” Switching gears to the smooth rhythm and blues hit “Go On Girl” slowed things down. Then came the monster hit “Miss Independent.” Audiences were so hyped up no one was ready to leave the packed venue. He showed his affection for his crew by singing happy birthday for one of his male dancers named Cliff. He ended the encore with his big hits “Never Knew I Needed” and “Closer.” “Never Knew I Needed” was a song he wrote for an upcoming animated blockbuster “Princess and the Frog” which will be shown here on Feb. 3.