It’s only one month into the new year, but Ne-Yo is making major moves. The Grammy-winning singer has signed to Motown Records and been appointed Senior Vice President of A&R.

After releasing four albums on Def Jam, Ne-Yo will transition to Motown and serve in a creative role, reports Billboard.biz. He will also bring his Compound Entertainment imprint to the label.

In his new position, the R&B gentleman will produce and mentor Motown’s artists, as well as sign and develop new talent.

“I’m honored that I’ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson—these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it,” said Ne-Yo in a statement.

Barry Weiss, Island Def Jam Motown Chairman and CEO, added, “His track record of success at Def Jam will always be a benchmark. But this move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artist and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012.”

Ne-Yo’s fifth album and first for Motown, The Cracks in Mr. Perfect, is due this summer. He can currently be seen in George Lucas’ Red Tails and will appear as a mentor on the upcoming season of NBC’s “The Voice.”

Ne-Yo put on his acting cap and took a seat on the couch on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The star of Red Tails recalled geeking out while working with Star Wars director George Lucas, growing up in Las Vegas (“Nine times out of 10 I was that thing that stayed in Vegas”), and his role as a fighter pilot in the movie based on the Tuskegee Airmen.

Jennifer Hudson duets with Ne-Yo on the theme song from Think Like a Man, Screen Gems’ big-screen adaptation of Steve Harvey’s book starring Chris Brown, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, and more. The R&B superstars keep it real with each other on the breakup tune, while Rick Ross rolls through to spoil his girl with the finer things. See what happens when a good thing goes bad.

Ne-Yo is a high-flying hero in his latest acting role. The R&B gentleman plays Andrew “Smoky” Salem, a tobacco-chewing fighter pilot, in the George Lucas-directed Red Tails, based on the true story of African-American World War II pilots Tuskegee Airmen.

In the latest stills from the film, which opens in theaters nationwide on January 20, Ne-Yo appears alongside an all-star cast including Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard.

“It was definitely a learning experience shooting this movie,” the 32-year-old singer told Rap-Up TV. “I developed a love and appreciation for the acting thing, but it will never take the place of music.”

Watch a trailer below.

50 Cent invaded Thursday’s “X Factor” finale with a super-sized performance. First up, the G-Unit general debuted “Wait Until Tonight,” a cut off his mixtape The Big 10, live for the first time. He also took it back, linking up with eliminated contestant Astro for “In Da Club” as the show’s judges and members of the L.A. Lakers danced onstage.

British “X Factor” champ Leona Lewis wowed with her cover of Snow Patrol’s “Run,” Pitbull got the party started with “International Love” and “Give Me Everything” with Ne-Yo, and Justin Bieber spread some holiday cheer with Stevie Wonder.

Pitbull – “International Love” + “Give Me Everything” with Ne-Yo

Leona Lewis – “Run”

Justin Bieber – “The Christmas Song” with Stevie Wonder + “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”

Trey Songz brought out fellow crooner Ne-Yo at a special concert benefitting his Angels with Heart Foundation at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City last night. The R&B gentlemen had the ladies going wild as they performed their sexy collaboration “The Way You Move.” In addition, Trigga debuted cuts off his 5-song EP Inevitable, which arrives Tuesday.

“Angels With Heart benefit concert was a huge success!! Thanks so much to every1 who supported! My boy @NeYoCompound killt it as well! Love,” tweeted Trey, while Ne-Yo added, “Shouts to my fellow squire @TreySongz for sharin’ the stage with a gent tonight. Gotta do it again soon chap! Much love!!”

Following the concert, Trey celebrated his 27th birthday with friends at an all-black birthday bash.

The flame has gone out. LL Cool J reflects on what used to be on the emotional “No More,” produced by hitmaking duo Rico Love and Jim Jonsin. The hip-hop trailblazer recalls pastimes with his girl on the rock-tinged mid-tempo, while Ne-Yo senses them drifting apart. “It’s like you don’t know me and I don’t know you no more,” he sings on the hook. Can they put back the pieces of their damaged relationship?

ASCAP Rhythm & Soul celebrated the achievements of Monica at its 3rd Annual Women Behind the Music Series in New York City on Wednesday night. The industry event honors women in music including artists, songwriters, managers, attorneys, label executives, and music publishers. In addition to the R&B songstress, music industry executives Phillana Williams and Mona Scott-Young were recognized.

“Still overwhelmed by tonight, I’m blessed beyond measure to experience the things I have in work & life itself,” tweeted a grateful Monica, who is readying her album New Life for an early 2012 release.

Other attendees included Ne-Yo and Roc Nation signee Bridget Kelly.

A dapper Ne-Yo hits the strip club with his fellow gentlemen Trey Songz and T-Pain in the sensual video for “The Way You Move,” a single off DJ Boy Wonda’s upcoming mixtape Tough Love.

Ne-Yo gets hands on with a sexy temptress in the gentlemen’s club in the video teaser for “The Way You Move,” a single off DJ Boy Wonda’s upcoming mixtape Tough Love. The R&B singer, who recently welcomed his second child, meets up with Trey Songz and T-Pain in the provocative visuals.