Ne-Yo Opening Atlanta Studio, Plans Talent Search For The Next R&B Star

The Grammy Award-nominated singer also has partnered with radio station WVEE-Atlanta to jumpstart a talent search to find a talented solo act or R&B group.

According to sources Def Jam recording artist, Ne-Yo “Shaffer Chimere Smith” (birthed in Arkansas) will open a new studio in Atlanta, Ga on May 30, 2007 called the Carrington House.

The Grammy Award-nominated singer also has partnered with radio station WVEE-Atlanta to jumpstart a talent search to find a talented solo act or R&B group. The singer will be holding auditions for the talent search beginning June 2-4, 2007 at the La Bam Studio in downtown Atlanta, where five finalists will have the opportunity to compete for a three-year contract with Compound Entertainment and a management deal with J White Agency. The winner will be selected on June 5, 2007.

Judges for the search will include CEO of Sho’nuff and music producer Jazze Pha “Phalon Anton Alexander” (1, 2 step) and movie director Byran Barber (Idlewild).

In recent news, Ne-Yo recently released his sophomore album, “Because of You,” May 1, 2007 which is currently number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 down from number 5 and is number 7 on the Billboard Top Charts down from number 4. “Because of You” is also number 17 down from number 16 on the Hot RingMasters, number 10 on The Hot 100 Airplay and number 12 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.