As a songwriter and producer, he has collaborated with some of the music industry's top female artists including Madonna, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Sinéad O'Connor, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, and Jordin Sparks. He co-wrote "Piano in the Dark" with singer/songwriter Brenda Russell which was nominated for Song of the Year at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards. In 2007, he won the Critic's Choice Award for Best Song for "Listen" from the motion picture adaption of Dreamgirls. The song was also nominated for Best Original Song at the 2007 Academy Awards and the 2007 Golden Globe Awards.