Hairdresser Helen Wilson is off to Hollywood on an all-expenses-paid trip to meet chart topping singer Ne-Yo, thanks to the good fortune of a friend.

Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith is an American R&B and pop singer well known for songs like 'Closer' and 'Miss Independent'.

His recent albums include 'Year of the Gentlemen' and 'Libra Scale'. He has also written music for singers such as Rihanna, Mario and Beyonce.

"I am so excited," said Ms Wilson, who works at Tangles. "I have always wanted to go to Hollywood. Everyone at Tangles is also excited for me. I like Ne-Yo's music, although I wouldn't say I was a stalker fan I download his music and listen to it on my laptop."

Her friend, Gemma McMillan, who previously worked in Bermuda as a hairdresser, won the trip for two to meet Ne-Yo in a Nokia competition in Northern Ireland.

"She left the Island in the summer," said Ms Wilson. "When she was settling into her new home in Derry, she bought a new Nokia phone, and also entered a competition sponsored by Nokia. That was back in July and she wasn't quite sure what she was entering. She found out on Monday she won an all-expenses-paid trip for herself and a friend."

The two friends are scheduled to attend Ne-Yo's album release party later this month, and also to attend a taping of the George Lopez talkshow. Ms McMillan also received a camcorder to record their adventures in Hollywood. The recording will be later featured on the Ne-Yo fan diary website at www.http://www.ne-yofan.com/.