Neyo at Birmingham NIA

Jul 16 2009 by Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail

SOUNDS of a heartbeat trying to be resuscitated and then eventually flat-lining with Neyo yelling “Michael Jackson RIP” was a pretty dramatic way to open this show.

The unstoppable 29-year-old R’n’B singer and songwriter then pledged to keep the music alive as he launched into nearly two hours of thrilling entertainment.

Jackson had obviously been a major influence to Neyo as he donned one black, and later red, glove, recreated some Jacko dance moves and sang Off The Wall in the dead singer’s honour.

Yet despite the similar showmanship, Neyo is much more provocative and played on that sex appeal during the constant sassy banter with the crowd.

Most songs seemed to have a little introductory story from the likeable singer and between tracks like So Sick, Mad and Closer, Neyo also reminded us of his famed work behind the scenes with a section of hits he wrote for fellow stars from Beyoncé to Rihanna.

It was refreshing to see an artist make so much effort with the crowd, but maybe that’s another tip he picked up from his recently departed idol.

Verdict: ****