Articles from 2002
Ask Nikki Webster
Smash Hits | September 2002
What do you say to people who suggest you’re growing up too quickly?
Andy, NSW
Well, I’m 15 years old and everybody’s got to grow up. It’s so much fun doing this. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and it wasn’t something I was forced into. I still get to see my friends and travel around the world. I don’t think you could ask for anything better.
What are some of the things that you like to do in your spare time?
Emma, by email
While I’m doing The Wizard of Oz, I have two days off a week. Mainly I just rest and, because I’m in Melbourne and I usually live in Sydney, my friends are always coming up to see me and my family are always down. I just do normal things like going to the movies. Things that everybody does on the weekend.
What does your brother think of all the attention you get? Is he jealous?
Christian, ACT
He’s really supportive, but he treats me the same. If we’re out he make sure I’m alright and protect me. Is he my bodyguard? He’d like to be! (Laughs) He’ll be 18 this week so he’ll be having a party while I’m down here in Melbourne. I caught up with him last week, though.
How do you find time to answer all your fan mail?
Aleeza, WA
My fan mail that comes on the web, I answer back. My fan mail that comes by hand, I write a newsletter once a month and then a paragraph or two to the person specifically if they send me photo or a picture. They take time out to do it so I take time out to answer it.
What do you think of artists like Eminem who swear a lot in their music?
Amy, by email
It’s his style and that’s how he made it. Everyone has to be individual. He’s got fans that like him for that. It would be hard on a program like Video Hits where kids watch and then his song comes on and there’s swearing. I don’t think I really appeal to his fan group.
Do you have a boyfriend?
Allison, SA
No, I don’t. Still! I‘m pretty busy at the moment. What sort of guys do I like? I don’t know yet! I haven’t had a chance to work that out. I don’t think it matters about looks, though. It’s about the person inside and how they treat you.
Do you wear your clothes from the videos at the weekends?
Tony, by email
Mainly the clothes I wear in the video clips are pretty way out there. They’re mainly for promotion and stuff, but things that I wear for photos, I wear at the weekend because it’s what I wear any day of the week.
Where do you get your outfits?
Nicole, by email
I design them all myself. I can’t really draw but my mum can, so I tell her what I like and then she designs it. We get someone to make it. We have close friend who make clothes and I’ve worked with a few designers as well. It’s the best way. Not everyone knows how a 15-year-old dresses except for a 15-year-old.
What’s your favourite outfit or costume?
Jennifer, by email
Well, I suppose one of them would be the pink that I wore in Strawberry Kisses and another one, probably the purple suit I wore in Something More Beautiful. I loved designing that one. I love the spacey kind of look.
Why don’t I ever hear your songs on the radio?
Samantha, NSW
That’s a very good question. The radio stations haven’t really supported me. That’s one thing that disappoints me because they helped me bring out my first single after the Olympics then dropped me. I suppose it’s a bit of the tall poppy syndrome kicking in. I hope that in time my songs will get played and I can keep fighting strong like Kylie Minogue did. Now she’s known all around the world getting No. 1s. If I can keep doing what I’m doing, hopefully I’ll be as well known and radio will play my songs.
Do you get annoyed when the music industry doesn’t support you?
Kylie, WA
It’s something my record company are working really hard at – just to get the support, because all you really want is for people to enjoy your music. I know not everybody in the world is going to enjoy my songs but it would be good if they could be nicer about me. I’ve had a bit of support from some stations and I can’t thank them enough. Also some press, like you guys and lots of papers, and Video Hits have been amazing. I couldn’t have done it without any of those people.
How do you feel when you read the not-so-kind things said about you in the press?
Mindy, Vic
I take it in my stride and try not to take any notice of anything that they say. I guess that when they say mean things about me it’s because they haven’t really met me. I don’t know what I did wrong, but everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I’m open to their opinions.
What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told?
Karen, NT
I don’t know. I don’t really tell many lies. It sounds like I was a goody-goody. Maybe I hadn’t done my school work and said, “Sorry Miss, I left it at home,” and then went back to do it that night. I probably did that quite a few times.
If your house was on fire, what would you take first?
Kellie, by email
Ooh, I hope that never happens but if it does, I would take my dog, my pets and get my family out. I usually wear all of my jewellry which is good. My pillow. I’d probably take my china dolls, all the ones that I’ve collected or my great-grandmother gave me. I’d need a trolley, there’s too much.
What’s your favourite and least favourite part of your body?
Talia, Qld
My favourite body part, I suppose it would be my hair. My least favourite part would be my moles. I’ve got quite a few, I get them off my dad.
What’s the silliest rumour about yourself you’ve heard?
David, by email
That I was going out with Aaron Carter. I mean, you go and meet someone and then you’re going out with them. It was very interesting. We actually have a bit on my website, a rumour mill where people write in rumours that they’ve heard. It’s really funny some of the stuff that comes in, like I have a twin sister. (Laughs)
I’ve got red hair and people call me carrot top. Did you ever get teased?
Allison, NZ
No, not really. My hair’s pretty blonde so that hasn’t ever happened to me. It might have happened to my mum, she’s pretty red. People just call me Nik or Nikster, stuff like that.