MashGet

LOS ANGELES - Like countless others, Ne-Yo was inspired by Michael Jackson - but the singer/songwriter was also fortunate enough to meet the superstar.

"I actually got the chance to sit and talk with him face to face," Ne-Yo told MTV News. "I remember it was at [Warner Music exec] Lyor Cohen's house. I was shaking like a leaf waiting for him to walk into the room. I remember thinking to myself about all the stories about his weirdness or whatever, so I really didn't know what to expect. He walked in, gave me a firm handshake and said he loved my music. He said he loved my music. It was one of those moments where you step aside and think about it. He was regular, down-to-earth, cool people."