Proud mum Nikki: I feel like it’s my birthday!

Australia’s sweetheart Nikki Webster goes all out for her little girl’s big day, reports SHARI NEMENTZIK

With an elaborate candy bar of lollipop cakes and personalised cookies, a three-tier pink and gold cake and a jumping castle in the shape of Cinderella’s Carriage, Skylah’s first birthday party is a dream come true for her famous mum Nikki Webster.

“I started thinking about it as soon as she was born,” reveals an excited Nikki, who spent months planning the over the top birthday bash. “Skylah’s my best friend and it was so much fun.”

It’s hard to believe the curly-haired, freckle-faced 13-year-old who stole our hearts at the Sydney Olympics 15 years ago is now mum to a gorgeous 1-year-old girl, with husband Matthew McMah, 35.

“Nikki was virtually identical to this one,” says her mum Tina as she helps tiny Skylah into her custom0made party outfit. “Except Skylah has more hair. I had to stick a bow to Nikki’s head with sticky tape because she had no hair!”

For the big day, Nikki’s Sydney home is transformed into a pink playground fit for a princess. “I feel like it’s my birthday party!” exclaims Nikki, 27, also decked out in top-to-toe pink.

“Skylah hasn’t got to the age where she can choose, so I’m going to get her in as much pink while I can. She’ll probably end up choosing everything black when she’s older!”

While the set-up may seem extravagant for a first birthday, it seems the Websters are known for their memorable bashes. “I always had amazing parties,” says Nikki. “They were the ones everyone wanted to be invited to. I used to have massive disco parties, and one year I had monkeys!”

And it’s clear the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. “I have such great memories of our parties and I want that for Skylah,” says the proud first-time mum.

But considering the 70-plus guests, dad Matthew has other plans. “She’ll get a 16th, 18th and 21st only!” he jokes. “She’s growing up too fast!”

Pictures: Philip Castleton/BauerSyndication.com.au
Hair & makeup: Carla McKeever
Party planner: Decor by Yael

Source: Woman’s Day
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Meet Nikki Webster’s little princess: ‘She’s a Mini-me!’

The darling of the Sydney Olympics is over the moon with her little lookalike, reports Shari Nementzik.

Despite her initial first-time mum nerves, Nikki Webster has taken to motherhood like a fish to water – and her gorgeous girl Skylah looks to be following in her famous footsteps. “It’s been such a wonderful journey and it’s so much fun,” says Nikki, 27. “I think every mother says it, but it’s a different kind of love … an unconditional, incredible love.

“Motherhood is obviously challenging and tiring, but it’s the wonderful moments like seeing her smile and hearing her say ‘Mummy’ that make it all worth it,” she grins, gazing at her “princess”. “It’s just amazing to watch her grow.”

Little showstopper

It’s been 10 months since Nikki and her husband Matthew McMah, 34, welcomed their precious girl into the world, and she’s growing up to resemble her iconic mother.

“I think it’s the eyes – she’s got these massive eyes!” laughs Nikki, while bouncing petite Skylah on her lap. “I mean, my mum always says she used to get stopped in the shops because of my eyes as a kid. And now I get it with her… it’s really nice.”

Watching Nikki dote on Skylah, who has already taken her first steps, it’s clear to see they share a very special mother-daughter bond. “It’s a bit of a sore point,” jokes Nikki, eyeing Matt. “Her first word was Mummy, then Daddy, then bubba… and then she said puppy.”

“I still blame the fact I was away with work,” quips Matt, who works for an airline.

Cherished moments

But it seems Skylah is just as much daddy’s little girl as she is mummy’s. “He’s a fantastic dad,” beams Nikki. “They have an awesome bond and he spoils her like crazy.”

Skylah is certainly a very lucky girl – her wardrobe is overflowing with frills and adorable outfits fit for a little princess. “She has two full wardrobes,” says Matt. “She has more clothes than me!”

“Mummy loves pinks,” admits Nikki sheepishly. “I seriously thought I was having a little boy, so to have a little girl to dress up is fantastic and I feel pretty lucky. She’s a girlie girl – she even has her ears pierced!”

But there’s a new addition to Skylah’s dress collection that stands out from the rest – a replica of the pink-and-white hibiscus frock that made Nikki famous.

“It’s pretty exciting to have a little dress for her,” she gushes.

“It’s something we’ll treasure and we’ll store the dresses together in a special place.”

Next year marks 15 years since Nikki shot to stardom when the then freckle-faced and curly-haired 13-year-old cutie soared high above Sydney’s Olympic Stadium in front of the 110,000-strong crowd and 3.7 billion people watching around the world.

“I’m an Aussie girl and to be given that opportunity at such a young age, to represent the country, it was my most incredible moment… well, until I had Skylah, now that tops the list of course!” smiles Nikki.

For the happy mum, who pulled her original dress out of storage for Woman’s Day’s photoshoot, seeing it again brings a massive smile to her face.

“It’s just a sundress and for a lot of people it’s just a little bit of pink lycra or whatever and I know it’s not the most glamorous dress in the world, but to me it has a lot of memories.

“That night has so many incredible moments for me and I remember watching Cathy Freeman lighting the flame and I was counting in my head, ‘In this many years when the next Olympics is on, I’ll be this old… and in this many years I’ll be this old… I wonder if I’ll have kids by this year’.

“So to think I now have this little girl and she’s in the same dress, it’s pretty crazy.”

But Skylah has yet to see her mum’s claim to fame. “I’ve shown her the Teletubbies on YouTube, but that’s about it,” laughs Nikki. “Maybe it’s time to bring out the old Strawberry Kisses stuff!”

Skylah has inherited more than just her mum’s good looks, too. “She loves music and I sing to her,” says Nikki. “Her favourite song is Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” adds Matt.

She also loves watching Nikki’s students at the dance studio, especially ballet. “She waves her hands in the air when the music comes on,” reveals Nikki, adding that she and Matt will support Skylah no matter what her chosen path may be.

I often take Skylah swimming at Olympic Park – that’s where it all began for me,” says Nikki. “Who knows what she’s going to do with her life. She might be into sport, she might be into music, I don’t know.

“It’s so exciting to share her journey. I just hope she has a love and a passion for something like I did. Performing was my passion and I got to do it and I hope she gets her opportunity, too.”

Pictures: Nick Cubbin/bauersyndication.com.au, Getty Images.
Makeup: Lores Giglio.
Styling: Pip Cook.
Nikki’s dress from Sheike.

Via Woman’s Day
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Nikki Webster: Meet My Little Star

The angel of the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony is all grown up… and she’s mum to a gorgeous baby girl! By SHARI NEMENTZIK.

Nikki Webster will forever be remembered as the freckle-faced, curly-haired cutie who flew high above the crowd at the Sydney Olympics 14 years ago. But the baby-faced singer is certainly all grown up now. Nikki, 26, married her sweetheart Matthew McMah, 34, in a fairytale ceremony in 2012 and, just last month, the loved-up couple welcomed their first child, daughter Skylah.

“I think people still see me as being young and can’t see me as being a mum yet,” laughs Nikki, cradling tiny Skylah in her arms. “I can’t even believe I’m a mum! It’s the most incredible feeling to be given your child. It was magical and also a little bit unbelievable. I’ve held newborns before but to think she is yours and you have to nurture her for her whole life… it’s pretty overwhelming,” she admits.

But watching the smitten couple with their bub, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’ve been parents for years. “I read an article once that said you don’t know unconditional love until you look into your child’s eyes,” says Matt, who works for an airline. “When I first looked into Skylah’s eyes, that really resonated with me. I look at this little person and there is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep her safe.”

Matt’s protective-dad instincts have certainly kicked in. “He is locking her up already so boys can’t have her,” jokes Nikki. “She’s not allowed to date until she’s 37!” adds Matt. Luckily for little Skylah, her youthful mum has her back. “I think the most exciting thing is building a relationship with her and having a best friend,” she says. “She can always come to me with any boy trouble and I will be there to help her and encourage her to follow her dreams.”

And she’s already looking to be following in her mum’s footsteps. “She does have strong lungs… whether she’s in pitch or not, I’m not sure,” laughs Nikki. “But we know she loves music.” So has Nikki introduced Skylah to some of her smash hits? “No, but I should start singing Strawberry Kisses to her,” she jokes. “That will make her go to sleep!”

Skylah is definitely Mum’s little princess. “I love dressing her up,” exclaims Nikki. “You open up her wardrobe and everything’s pink.” Skylah came into the world a day before her due date. “It was a beautiful process but very painful,” says Nikki of her 15-hour labour with no pain relief. “I hated seeing her in agony,” says Matt. “When our baby was finally with us, I sobbed for five minutes.”

The happy couple, who met on a blind date set up by their siblings, are closer than ever before, thanks to their beautiful new addition. “I think we have a deeper appreciation for each other because he saw what I went through and it’s really intense,” says Nikki. “We’re working as a team because this is all new to us.”

So will Skylah have any siblings? “Oh gosh, one at a time!” says Nikki. “When she first came out after all that pain, I looked at her and said, ‘You know what, honey? I think you’re going to be an only child for a while.'”

Meet
SKYLAH TIA McMAH

Born: February 6, 2014
Weight: 2.77kg
Height: 48cm

Pictures: Phillip Castleton, Getty Images.
Hair and makeup: Helen Dowsley.
Stylist: Pip Cook.

Source: Woman’s Day
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Nikki Webster’s dancing with joy

To many of us, Nikki Webster will always be that bright-eyed, curly-haired poppet who flew high above Olympic Stadium at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Games. But 13 years on, the 26-year-old is taking another magical journey – starting a family with husband Matthew McMah, 33.

“It’s what everybody dreams of,” smiles Nikki, who is almost seven months pregnant. “We feel very lucky and can’t wait to be parents.”

Although the newlyweds, who tied the knot in Sydney 13 months ago, weren’t planning on having kids so soon, they’re thrilled. “We weren’t trying, so it was a beautiful surprise,” says Nikki. “I felt a bit strange, so I went to the doctor and the first thing she did was hand me a pregnancy test. I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ But it was positive!”

Nikki, who runs her own dance studios, couldn’t wait to break the news to Matt. “I took the test home, wrapped it up and gave it to him.”

“I cried,” admits Matt. “I was over the moon. I don’t think anything, apart from the wedding day, can beat that feeling.”

While many couples frantically scramble to kit out the nursery, Nikki and Matt are in no rush. “I’m just enjoying where I’m at and I think Matt can set it up while I’m in hospital, can’t he? Isn’t that what men do?” laughs Nikki, eyeing her husband. “I’m very superstitious, too. I don’t want anything set up in the house until the baby is born.”

The pair won’t find out the sex of their baby but they know just what qualities they want their bub to inherit from each other. “I hope it can cook and clean and wash like Matt, because it certainly won’t get that gene from me!” jokes Nikki. “I’m a self-confessed house-husband,” confirms Matt, who works for an airline. “If I had to pick qualities from Nikki, it’d definitely be her drive, her passion and her looks, because I don’t want it to look like me!”

“I was a really ugly baby, I just want to put that out there,” laughs Nikki.

As they argue over what other traits they want their bub to inherit, one thing is certain – it will be a talented tot. “Hopefully is has Nikki’s artistic side and my sporty side,” says Matt, a keen soccer player.

“Or who knows? It could miraculously be a genius,” giggles Nikki. “I wouldn’t know what to do if it tried to make me sit down and do maths homework!”

Either way, they know they’re in for the ride of their lives. “We’re going to make mistakes,” says Matt. “But it’s all about trying to provide the best possible life for the baby.”

“And having fun as well!” smiles Nikki.

Words: Shari Nementzik
Pictures: Yianni Aspradakis
Hair and make-up: Lores Giglio
Syling: Maia Liakos

Source: Woman’s Day
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Nikki Webster chats to Sunrise

Sunrise025

…but she’s come a long way since then, from dance music to Dancing with the Stars. There’s been a fashion line and a foray into her own business, and she hasn’t even turned 30 yet.

SAMANTHA ARMYTAGE: My goodness. Nikki Webster joins us now. Good morning.

NIKKI WEBSTER: Good morning guys!

SAMANTHA: Welcome!

NIKKI:Thank-you!

SAMANTHA: Nikki this is my dad Mack. Dad, Nikki.

MACK: Hi Nikki.

NIKKI: Lovely to meet you. Happy Fathers’ Day for Sunday.

MACK: Well, thank you.

SAMANTHA: Aww, that’s nice. Now look tell us about your role in this new movie Circle of Lies.

NIKKI: It’s just really exciting to be a part of an Australian film with such incredible actors. The director Matt Cerwen is just amazing, and to be on set with up-and-coming talent of Australia was so much fun. It’s my first acting, serious acting gig and you know, yeah it’s a bit of fun, but it deals with some really heavy issues, being bullying, what goes on in the schoolyard, social status at school and also the fact that friendship – building friendships and how to stay in a friendship, and stay in a little niche and a clique at school. And also the struggle of this girl who was miss popular becoming the discretion of all of the bullies at school, and her fight to I guess prove everybody wrong and come out on top.

So it’s really serious but on the other side it’s a great film about what happens at school in today’s world, and having text messages and Facebook and all those kind of social media things which, when I grew up, we didn’t have all of that. So it was really important –

SAMANTHA: Mmm, me neither.

NIKKI: Yeah! It was important to be a part of and just learn about the process of what our young teens are going through today, and the fact that it’s hard, you know, school is really tough these days!

SAMANTHA: It sure is.

MACK: The pressures are very different I’m sure.

NIKKI: It is, it is.

MACK: Nikki what made you choose this particular role?

NIKKI: I think, you know, having my dance studios, I teach a lot of 15 to 17-year-old girls and it’s really important for me to understand, when they come in and I see them being a little restrained, and they’re struggling at school, and obviously we try and create a happy environment for them to express themselves through dance and music, but a lot of them struggle at school because of bullying. So I wanted to understand it. I kinda, I didn’t really get involved in lunchtime antics at school. I was too busy worrying about, you know, my next single or what clothing range I was gonna release. So I didn’t really think about it that much. So I think that’s why I wanted to be a part of it. I also wanted to learn what being on set was about, and I always teach my children never say no to an opportunity that looks exciting, and when I was approached I thought, ‘Yeah, why not?’ Give it a go, try something different! [laughs]

SAMANTHA: You have to live by that. So what do you like best, do you pick one that you like?

NIKKI: I’m definitely a singer, I’m definitely a performer, but um, musical theatre is where I began, so – which is a bit of singing and more over-the-top acting I guess, but that’s my passion. But still pop music. I’ve just finished recording some music overseas, so hopefully we can get some stuff released in the future and you know, that’s just my – my plan is just to give everything a go and have the opportunity to do what I love doing, which is everything in this industry.

SAMANTHA: Good on you. You love musical theatre, don’t you Dad?

MACK: Oh well, I think I do, yeah. Depends what it is of course, but anyway. No, that’s great.

SAMANTHA: You got any other questions?

MACK: No, I think that’ll do me. Yeah.

NIKKI: So the premiere’s tonight, so if you’re staying in Sydney you can come along to The Ritz at Randwick.

MACK: Is it? Well I’m sorry Nikki, I’m out of town about lunchtime, but I’ll..

NIKKI: You don’t wanna see a schoolyard film?

MACK: I’ll get a copy of it from somewhere.

NIKKI: Absolutely, absolutely.

SAMANTHA: Thank-you Nikki.

NIKKI: No problems at all. Thank-you for your support. Thanks guys.

MACK: Thanks Nikki.

SAMANTHA: Great to see you. Good luck with the movie. Okay. Well done, Dad. Your first interview on national television.

MACK: Could be my last.

SAMANTHA: I’m sure it will be!

Source: Sunrise
Video: YouTube
Screencaps: Gallery

Big break for Nikki Webster

NIKKI Webster has gone back to school. The 23-year-old has landed her first lead film role, shooting independent feature Short Beach around Sydney in recent weeks.

Webster’s been cast as V, a schoolgirl, in the “teen beach movie” also starring Johnny Boxer and Matt Zeremes.

“This role is fun because I wasn’t at school a lot in years 11 and 12, so I never got to be that girly girl,” she said.

“I missed that – I was too busy designing a clothing range and releasing music.”

Webster has started her own performance school at Stanmore in Sydney’s inner west, specialising in singing, dancing and drama classes for children aged five to 16.

“It’s hard running your own business but it allows me to share my experiences with the kids and teach them,” she said.

“I love it. The benefits of having your own business and watching it grow is so rewarding.”

Webster, who gained fame after starring in the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony, recently got engaged to 31-year-old Matthew McMah who works in the aviation industry.

The pair have yet to set a date

Source: The Herald Sun

Nikki Webster 10 years on – It’s still my favourite frock

The darling of the 2000 Sydney Olympics shares her memories with Lucy Chesterson.

Holding the pink frock that made her famous, Nikki Webster marvels to think how it became one of the most enduring symbols on the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2000. She can hardly believe she once fitted into the miniature outfit. “I was 13, but I looked about nine!” she laughs.

Indeed, Nikki seemed an impossibly small figure when the world saw her skip to the centre of the Olympic Stadium, in front of the 110, 000-strong crowd filling the venue, and the 3.8 billion watching her on televisions around the globe.

“It still feels like yesterday,” says Nikki, now 23. “I remember every detail of every position I had.”

Nikki stayed tight-lipped about being chosen over 12, 000 others for the role as Hero Girl in the ceremony, which helped Australia take the world by surprise when she soared through the sky. The little girl swimming among the fluoro sea creatures became one of the most fondly remembered moments.

“Everything was on target, despite the fact there was such a lot that could have gone wrong!” Nikki says, with relief that’s obvious even 10 years after her adventure. “The only small thing was a jellyfish bumped into me in the sky and I thought, ‘what’s that doing there? That’s never been there before!’”

But when Nikki’s feet left the earth, the young performer couldn’t have known she’d touch down in a world very different from the one she had left behind. Her flawless performance saw her become Australia’s new media darling. The instant she returned to earth, her young life changed forever.

“It was insane,” Nikki says. “I did my first ever interview at 6am the next morning, and from then on it never stopped.” Reporters from all over the world wanted to meet Nikki. “When I got home there was international media already camped out,” she recalls. “There were people everywhere at my house – on the front lawn, in my bedroom, in the lounge room.”

Over the past 10 years, the spotlight that shone on Nikki has never faded. The performer is now capitalising on her expertise by running a dance school and talent agency in Sydney – Dance @ Nikki Webster and Talent @ Nikki Webster – where she helps other kids realise their dreams.

Stroking the dress, Nikki says, “There’s a replica in a museum, but I keep the real one in a box. People always say I should have it framed, but I never have. It meant so much to so many people. It’s amazing for me to know I can still get it out and hold it in my hands.”

Source: Woman’s Day
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