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NE-YO PLUGS HIS LINDSAY LOHAN TRACK: Singer-songwriter says 'I think the world is gonna be surprised.' Also touts Ursh and J-Hud projects.

(May 29, 2008)

*Ne-Yo says he was a little taken aback when first approached by Lindsay Lohan's camp to write and produce a song for her upcoming third album.

"I mean, I've written for Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Celine Dion and ... Lindsay Lohan?" Ne-Yo told Billboard.com. "But I will say this; we gave her a quality record and she did a ridiculously fabulous job. I was so shocked I had to call her and apologize for what I was thinking because she did so good. I think the world is gonna be surprised."

The uptempo track, called "Bossy," is a collaboration with producer Stargate. (Scroll down to listen.)

Meanwhile, Ne-Yo is currently on tour with Alicia Keys and also preparing for the Aug. 15 release of his third Def Jam album, "Year of the Gentleman." Additionally, he penned "Spotlight," the first single from Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut, due in September. (Scroll down to listen.)

Ne-Yo says "they're still putting the (album) together right now" but that he's "really, really proud" that his song was chosen to represent her new direction.

"They were really trying to figure out where to take her," he explains. "The main issue with Jennifer Hudson is her voice is so huge, so how do you take that and radio-ize it, make it radio-friendly. She can't do ('And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going') every song 'cause you'll eventually be tired of it. So ('Spotlight') is kind of a classy midtempo, and I hope and pray it does well 'cause Jennifer is an amazing talent."

Ne-Yo also wrote for Leona Lewis' "Spirit" album, and co-wrote the track "His Mistakes" for Usher's new album, "Here I Stand." (Scroll down to listen.)

"I actually got to sit down wtih Usher and talk to him and see where his head is at now so I could write the right record," said Ne-Yo.

As for the forthcoming Michael Jackson project he's been linked to, Ne-Yo says "there's nothing new. I'm submitting songs and I... still don't know anything about a release date or any of that."

"Bossy" – Lindsay Lohan