NE-YO Honored With Key To The City & His Own Day In Las Vegas

Las Vegas will now celebrate "NE-YO Day" after the artist was blessed with his own day and the highest honor in the city.

NE-YO hit the stage on Wednesday night, August 7, for the first night of his "Human Love Rebellion” residency at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas. The Grammy award-winning singer was two songs in when Mayor Carolyn Goodman surprised him with a proclamation that declared August 7 as "NE-YO Day" in his hometown, and a gold key to the city.

"I'm a little emotional... but I can't cry in this suit," NE-YO said on stage. "Thank you to our lovely mayor. Thank you to the city of Las Vegas."

Last night was a true full-circle moment for the longtime Las Vegas resident. After he relocated to the city with his mother, NE-YO, born Shaffer Smith, graduated from Rancho High School and went to the Las Vegas Academy for Theatre, Visual and Performing Arts. In a post he made earlier that day, he recalled his first real job in entertainment, which was as an understudy for the show "EFX" at the MGM Grand. Now, three Grammy awards and two No. 1 albums later, the singer-songwriter is ready to give his hometown everything he's got.

"Now I’m BACK in the city that made me with my very own residency!" he wrote in his caption. "I’m honored, I’m proud and I’m READY!! Hope y’all are too! LET’S GET IT!!"

NE-YO's "Human Love Rebellion" residency will continue this weekend with two more shows on August 9 and 10. It comes shortly after he dropped his latest single "2 Million Secrets," which he debuted during his recent "Tiny Desk Concert."

Check out a close-up of his key to the city below.