Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Ne-Yo will lend his hitmaking skills to a bizarre collaboration with controversial rock star Marilyn Manson.

Ne-Yo has postponed recording sessions with The Pussycat Dolls and Michael Jackson to concentrate on his hook-up with Manson.

“We’re about to go into the studio together. I’ve wanted to work with him for ages and his people reached out to me when they heard,” the Year of the Gentleman star says.

“I have no idea what the music will sound like or what direction we’ll take, but it will be really cool. We’re obviously two separate sides of the musical extreme but that’s what makes it exciting.”

Ne-Yo added: “People might think it’s a strange collaboration, I don’t. But don’t worry – you won’t see me adopting his style. I don’t think you’ll ever see me in make-up.”