Nikki Webster Press Archive

What’s next for Nikki?

By Maisy Rae

Strawberry Kisses singer Nikki Webster is back in the spotlight after her 2001 hit became the Matildas’ unofficial anthem and propelled her back into the charts!

“It blows my mind that it lives on,” Nikki, 36, tells Woman’s Day. “It’s a song that keeps giving to me, and I think the song keeps giving to Aussies, too.”

The hit reached No. 2 on the ARIA Charts over 20 years ago after Nikki became famous overnight after appearing at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and last week climbed into Australia’s iTunes top 10, sparking hope of a comeback for the pop sensation.

“Never say never,” Nikki laughs. “I think that’s the beauty of being a performer – you’ve got to take opportunities. To see it live on, I’m like, yes, my 13-year-old self made a great choice!”

While her recent charting success hasn’t sparked an idea for an album just yet, Nikki says she isn’t ruling anything out after being recently contacted by the song’s producer.

“It’s been lovely to reconnect with people [from] that time – our lives are all busy, but the song always brings us back together,” she says.

On Top Again

The surprise comeback came when Nikki became the unlikely new member of the Matildas squad after it was revealed during the World Cup by goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold that it’s the team’s go-to pre-game song.

While she wasn’t a football fan before, Nikki says she’s now become a Tillies devotee after being “wrapped up in the hype like everyone else”.

It was a no-brainer for her when she received a last-minute call to travel to Brisbane to give a surprise performance at the Matildas’ Keys to the City ceremony last weekend.

“The fun part was just watching them as they had no idea. Steph [Catley’s] face was the best – she was so shocked,” she says.

“Then, Sam Kerr got on the mic and she was fantastic – it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

“I just loved knowing that it gets [the players] in the vibe before the game. I think it’s also helping them relive their childhood – that’s what it does to me – it’s brought them back to that dream they had growing up.”

Nikki, who brought her two children, nine-year-old Skylah and five-year-old Malakai, along to the performance, says they were awestruck when they met the team.

“All their friends can’t believe they got to meet Sam Kerr,” Nikki laughs.

“But watching my daughter see these girls achieving their dreams was amazing. And for Malakai to look at girls being successful – I think it’s important for boys to be a part of that journey, too.”

Looking ahead

Has Nikki’s return to the spotlight caught the eye of any famous suitors?

Nikki says she hasn’t looked!

“There’s time to look, it’s just… what do you do? Where do you go? Online dating is a whole new world,” she says.

“I do hope one day maybe the right person will come along and it’ll just happen. But I’m really happy with where I’m at in life and being a mum – it’s my favourite job in the world.”

The Sydneysider, who split up from her husband many years ago, is kept busy running her dance schools in Sydney and on the Central Coast alongside her brother Scott.

When asked if her time on The Masked Singer in 2019 sparked a love for reality TV, perhaps even a future stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Nikki laughs and shakes her head vehemently.

“There are shows I would love to do that show a different side of who Nikki Webster is, for sure, but eating testicles and living in the jungle… I can’t say that would show the real Nikki,” she jokes.

“But I’d love to do Celebrity Apprentice! “Having run a small business for 15 years, I’d love to show that side of me, how to market, how to brand, how to be creative and work with a team.”

Nikki’s contribution to the Matildas campaign in the World Cup has also renewed calls for her to play a part in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, with an online petition available.

For now, though, Nikki says she’s just happy to be along for the ride. “The public has been really positive.
I think we needed it as a country, but I also needed it as a human to feel that love again,” she says. “I really appreciate that love from everyone.”

Source: nowtolove.com.au
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Nikki Webster was just 13 when she shot to fame in the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and released Strawberry Kisses just one year later. While it might feel like just yesterday, it’s been more than 22 years and now Nikki is celebrating another milestone, seeing her youngest child start school this year. In true Nikki style, she is marking the occasion with an adorable music video aptly titled Starting School.

The now 35-year-old mum of two is looking forward to transitioning Malakai into big school next month, with nothing but a cohort of young dancers and a catchy song to get him ready for the big day.

“We thought it would be great to unite all young ones heading to school for the first time with a fun little song and music video that focuses on the positive aspects of schooling,” explained Nikki.

“The song we have developed, Starting School, was a little collaboration between my brother Scott and our wonderful dancers from our two studios, promoting dance, movement and of course singing,” she said.

Recorded in their performing arts studio, the lyrics of Starting School touch on school being ‘cool’ as well as a place for rules and a time to provide little brains with fuel. The music video features both Malakai and Nikki’s oldest child, Skylah, along with a dozen dancers.

“I have mixed emotions about my youngest starting school, it’s such an exciting milestone but also, my baby is becoming a big boy!

“I can only hope that both Malakai and Skylah are provided with the same wonderful opportunities and time at school as I enjoyed when I was a child,” she added.

Respected Sydney performing arts school, The McDonald College has also thrown their support behind Nikki’s back to school initiative, with the music video filmed on their grounds.

“I was lucky enough to attend The McDonald College and they have been huge supporters of my career.

“I approached them to see if we could shoot on their campus and both Malakai, Skylah and our pre-elite dancers were ecstatic to perform there – it certainly brought back many memories for me as a former student,” continued Nikki.

At just 35, Nikki is pleased she been given the opportunity to ride the wave of having her own business for more than a decade, supporting other young talent in performing arts.

Source: Mirage News

The mum-of-two could be back for more at the Brisbane Olympics

She made Australia proud as she soared high above the stadium in the 2000 Olympic Games opening ceremony when she was just 13 years old.

And as our country prepares to host the Games once more in 2032, our “Hero Girl” Nikki Webster tells Woman’s Day that she’ll jump at the chance to do it all over again!

“I’d love to perform in Brisbane, who wouldn’t?! I mean, it’s the most rewarding performance of any person’s career, to represent your country on a global scale. It’s pretty awesome,” she says.

The 34-year-old says her “mind was blown” when she woke up to a petition, started by 2GB’s Deborah Knight, to get her back to perform, adding, “The Olympics are always a very special time for me, so to be thought of in that way is just incredible. It’s very humbling.”

By the time the ceremony arrives in 2032, Nikki will be 45, which she admits is “crazy” to think about – especially as she remembers standing on the stage in 2000 like it was yesterday!

“I remember watching Cathy Freeman light the cauldron and I was thinking, ‘Where will I be in four years’ time?’ I certainly wasn’t thinking about where I’d be at 45,” she laughs.

And while she acknowledges the ceremony is years away, Nikki still has some ideas about what her performance would look like.

“I would love to fly again! And technology has come a long way so maybe I could even levitate across the stage or something,” she laughs.

“But I definitely won’t be wearing the pink dress.”

Perhaps her seven-year-old daughter Skylah, who will be just a few years older than Nikki was when she performed, could get involved, too?

“If she wanted to be, absolutely,” Nikki enthuses.

“Watching my kids watch the coverage now, it’s clear they love the Olympics. So whichever way, we’re going to be in Brisbane in 2032, being proud Aussies.”

And if she had any wisdom to impart to Skylah and three-year-old son Malachi, Nikki would tell them to “enjoy it, shine and be grateful”.

You have this opportunity to make your country proud, so go out there and have fun and soak it all up,” she says.

Source: Woman’s Day
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Nikki Webster has launched her own children’s book with her brother Scott Webster to help inspire Australian youth to live their dreams.

The book, Dare to Dream, is a story about a young girl who falls asleep and dreams of doing what she loves – performing and dancing on stage at the iconic Opera House.

With challenges to overcome to achieve her ambitions, she wakes from her dream – inspired, motivated, and passionate to conquer the obstacles that lie between herself and her goals.

Nikki said she was lucky to live her own dream of performing and singing for audiences from a very young age.

“As a child, I had the opportunity to learn important lessons about the power of hard work and, above all, believing in yourself,” she said.

She and her brother teach children the art of dance out of their studios on the Central Coast and in Sydney.

“Through both our work at the dance studios and now with the release of Dare to Dream, we always work together with the one overarching goal of inspiring young talent,” Scott said.

After reflecting on who and what had the greatest impact on their lives, the brother and sister decided to draw inspiration for the book from the story of one of their dearest and longest friends, four-time Paralympian, Ben Weekes.

The two have been friends with Weekes since they attended the same childcare centre, primary school and high school.

While playing tennis at school one day, Weekes suffered a blood clot to the spine, leaving him permanently disabled.

“I still remember the shock of that day when Ben went into the hospital,” Scott said.

“But by far my strongest memory, and what’s left a lasting impression on me, is the amazing way in which Ben dealt with the adversity.”

Nikki said she was inspired by Ben’s positivity to still achieve his dreams.

“Ben’s ability, even as a young teenager, to accept what happened to him and then go on with so much positivity and perseverance to achieve so many great things left an indelible mark on both Scott and I,” she said.

“We both still draw inspiration from him today, which is why we’re so pleased to be able to share some of this inspiration with children through Dare to Dream.

“We want to encourage children to believe in themselves, dream big, and stay positive and passionate, no matter what happens on the road to achieving (those dreams).”

Inspired by Weekes’ story, and in the spirit of encouraging and nurturing youth, Nikki and Scott have partnered with Paralympics Australia and will be donating a percentage of the proceeds from book sales to the organisation.

“We’re so pleased to be able to give back to an organisation like Paralympics Australia who do such great work with children through their Come and Try Days and Paralympic School Education programs,” they said.

Source: Central Coast News

JACKIE EPSTEIN

Nikki Webster was a 13-year-old girl wanting to make the country proud when she starred in the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony 20 years ago.

She ended up becoming a child star after the show that stopped a nation with more than 10 million viewers.

“It wasn’t about being famous, it wasn’t anything that crossed my mind,’’ Webster said.

“My main thing on the night, was I was a musical theatre performer so making sure people enjoyed watching it. I didn’t really think about people at home watching and as a 13-year-old girl I wanted to make my mum and dad proud and it was all about making my country proud and the privilege I had of being an Aussie.

“I thought that’s nice and then it’ll be over. I never thought I’d be lucky to have a career.”

Webster went onto become a singer with a hit, Strawberry Kisses, a musical theatre performer and a contestant on The Masked Singer last year. She never tried her luck overseas despite having opportunities.

At the closing ceremony she spent time with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Paul Hogan and John Farnham.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,’’ she said.

“The best thing about being recognised is that everyone is so positive and they remember where they were and what it meant.

“A lot of stories connect with the Olympics and I love to hear about that. It’s pretty cool to have people to share that with.”

Webster said the highlight of the night for her was the flying, but also learning so much about Aboriginal history and culture.

“I watched it back with my daughter (Skylah, 6) and all the memories came flooding back,’’ she said.

“I run dance studios now and that’s my passion to provide in that creative space and give back to performers. And hopefully they can follow their dreams like I was lucky enough to.”

The first of Seven’s Olympic specials, Towards Tokyo: The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Sydney 2000 Uncovered, airs Tuesday night July 28.

Source: Herald Sun

NIKKI OPENS UP ABOUT RAISING HER TWO KIDS AND LIVING HER DREAMS

By April Glover

Nikki Webster certainly has a lot on her plate, with raising two children, juggling three dance studios and now a plum new hosting gig with Dance Mums Australia.

The darling of the 2000 Sydney Olympics – now all grown up as a mother of two and a savvy business owner – is not afraid to transform into a no-nonsense dance teacher on the new reality show.

Speaking with New Idea to promote the casting call for the show, the 32-year-old says her own child-star past has coloured both motherhood and her career.

“I’ll definitely be mentoring [the dancers], but I’ll also not be taking any crap! It’s going to be tough. To get to that elite level takes a lot of training and discipline,” Nikki explains.

“There will be drama and glitter! It’s also coming from the perspective of me as a child star. I’ll be helping them along the pressures I’ve been through. And being quite tough on them.”

Nikki was thrust into stardom at the age of 13, and she knows exactly how hard it can be to make it in the industry.

“It does make me allow my children just to enjoy being kids and enjoy every moment. I’m also very supportive of whatever path they choose. I was lucky enough to have parents who supported me through my dreams, no matter how crazy they were,” she says.

The past year has been a whirlwind for Nikki. She was back in the spotlight on The Masked Singer Australia while battling her own private heartache. The singer quietly split from her husband Matthew, the father of her children, Skylah, 5, and Malachi, 2, after seven years of marriage.

But with help from her kids and parents, Nikki is determined to march into 2020 with her head held high.

“[My parents] taught me how to be a good mum. I model how I’m a parent off my own parents, and it’s a matter of being there and supporting them, doing whatever I can to make sure they achieve their goals, if they’re going to work hard. I’m there to support them no matter what they choose. That’s kind of the mum I want to be,” she says.

Being a single mother is no easy feat, but neither is turning child-stardom into a successful career as an adult. Nikki says it’s a testament to working hard on and off the stage to give her and her children the best life possible.

“Even though I haven’t been in the spotlight, I’ve still been working behind the scenes, writing music and things like that. I feel like I’ve never left, but I’ve been lucky enough to get some great opportunities,” she says.

“I think I’m able to juggle it. I’ll make it work. It’ll be a busy time, but a really exciting time.” As it nears the 20th anniversary of the Sydney Olympics and her debut on the world stage, Nikki hints at something special in the works.

“There’s a few rumours of things – nothing’s locked in yet! It was such a proud moment, I think we should definitely celebrate it in some way. We did on the 10 years, so hopefully we do on the 20th!”

Source: New Idea
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