Daring Nikki has never feared the cutting edge of life

Any doubts about Nikki Webster’s maturity were dispelled last night at the gay and lesbian Sleaze Ball.

Dressed as a glamorous wind-up doll, Webster, now 20, was to emerge from a carriage to sing a remix of her debut single Strawberry Kisses as scantily-clad dancers gyrated around her. She said the sultry performance was a far cry from the 13-year-old Hero Girl who flew eight storeys high and sang Under Southern Skies in front of a live audience of 110,000 and a worldwide television audience of 3.7 billion at the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Sleaze Ball was also good preparation for her upcoming role as the militant lesbian Maureen in the musical Rent.

“I’m lucky to have a great gay following and it will certainly be fun,” she said.

The West Australian production of Rent will involve an element of nudity, she said, “but just my ass.”

Webster is no stranger to taking her clothes off after celebrating her 18th birthday by posing for FHM. “It was a great way, maybe not the right way, for people to see me developing and growing up four, five, six years on from the Olympics,” she said.

Webster said her love life was “pretty dull at the moment”. “Turning 20 is good landmark to put things in perspective and the boys will come I’m sure,” she said.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Nikki’s hairy role

POPETTE Nikki Webster has signed on for a Perth production of hippie musical Hair, but is refusing to say whether she’ll be nude for the role.

Webster is playing Sheila, the show’s female lead who would normally appear in the mass-nudity scene.

“Everyone’s going to have to come and see the show to find out,” Webster said in true showbiz fashion before letting slip that she really should get back into the gym.

The musical is also something of an Australian Idol reunion, with Rob “Millsy” Mills, Cle Wootten and Cosima De Vito all starring. De Vito is the only one of the three who’ll stay clothed. If Hair‘s run in the west does well, the production could go to Melbourne.

Hair will be directed by Chris Kabay with musical direction by Simon Holt of yellow glass theatre inc.

Hair follows “The Tribe”, a group of politically active, long-haired Hippies of the “Age of Aquarius” fighting against conscription to the Vietnam War.

Take a journey with buddies Claude and Berger, as they battle against draft notice, and the love of Sheila, who’s politically active lifestyle prevents her from pursuing either love interest. The hippie days of the late Sixties are epitomized by them and their friends Jeanie, Woof, Crissy and Dionne – and with songs like Aquarius, Hair, I Got Life, Good Morning Starshine, Hair and Let The Sunshine In.

10-20 May 2007
Regal Theatre, Subiaco
Tickets available now through BOCS Ticketing on 9484 1133, 1800 193 300 or www.bocsticketing.com.au

Source: PerthNow

Will she or won’t she bare all?

Strawberry Kissed pop star Nikki Webster has signed on for a Perth production of sexed-up musical Hair, but is refusing to comment on whether she will appear nude.

Nikki is playing the musical’s female lead of Sheila who would normally appear in the mass-nudity scene.

Now 19, Ms Webster first came to prominence for her starring role in the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony at age 13.

However, she caused quite a commotion when she posed for a shoot with men’s mag FHM and later did another shoot with Zoo Weekly .

Although we should point out that appearing in corset, hot pants and boots in an air-brushed mag article is a long way from the full-frontal nudity for which Hair is known.

“Everyone’s going to have to come and see the show to find out,” she laughs, of the gear-on/gear-off question.

The musical’s producer Adam Bick, of Eventainment, is also refusing to confirm or deny whether the popette will appear nude. “The cast members will be getting their kit off, this is not a sanitised version,” he says.

“But as for Nikki, well, people will just have to come along and find out for themselves.”

Hmm, sounds like a deliberate marketing ploy to us.

Nikki did let slip to (Confidential) that she really should get back into the gym – perhaps to tone a few body parts that will be on show?

The musical is something of an Australian Idol reunion. Rob Mills will play the lead male role of Claude (and will be stripping). Cle Wootten, who plays Dionne, will be also be getting her gear off while nodule-girl Cosima De Vito will sing but will not act – read that she’ll stay clothed.

Source: Adelaide Now

Zoo Weekly interview

Australia’s sexiest pop singer Nikki Webster is in Nashville, writing songs for her new album. Good news: she still prefers Aussie blokes!

What the hell are you doing in America?
I’m working with some songwriters in Nashville, really just honing the craft. It’s exciting. I’ve been working with people who have done stuff with Jessica Simpson.

So have you taken a sudden liking to gangsta rap?
Let me see… um, no. Other than when I’m in LA walking down Hollywood Boulevard and there are rap wannabes on the side of the street selling their CDs, probably not. I like seeing them busk and stuff; it’s good fun but I’m not really into the gangster side of things.

What about the Crips and Bloods – have you been caught in the crossfire of machine-guns yet?
I do a lot of sightseeing and travelling but don’t really venture into the downtown areas. Continue reading Zoo Weekly interview

The girl who flew too high

At the Sydney Olympics she was the most famous girl in Australia. How did teenager Nikki Webster become an object of ridicule, and what does her treatment say about us, asks Larry Writer.

Last time we looked, Nikki Webster wasn’t responsible for the war in Iraq, or the hike in petrol prices. In fact, there is no evidence she has ever wronged a soul. Most agree she is blessed with talent, spirit and ambition. So why are people saying such terrible things about her? Why did Rove McManus and Eddie McGuire feel it necessary to make jokes about her virginity on national TV? Why does a gossip columnist she’s never met defend her frequent attacks on the teenager because “there’s something about her that’s irritating”? And why would The Sydney Morning Herald say last month, when reporting on possible new girlfriends for James Packer: “Around the dining tables of Sydney’s harbour front mansions all sorts of names have been suggested as potential Parker mates, ranging from the sublime (Nicole Kidman) to the ridiculous (Nikki Webster)”? Want to take a shot at Webster? Get in line, folks.

Her star turn at the Sydney Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, when she soared and sang 30m above Stadium Australia, made Webster, at 13, a household name. But Hero Girl has never flown quite so high again. She finds herself today without a record label, striving for an image and music that will propel her to new phases of her career.

It’s not that she lacks fans. Last year, when Dancing with the Stars judge Todd McKenney eliminated her by awarding her 1 out of 10 for her attempt at the tango, the Seven Network switchboard, says Webster, “went into meltdown. People were so angry. And it wasn’t just devotees. [Fellow contestant, actor and towering ex-rugby league champ] Ian Roberts went ballistic at Todd. He looked like he was going to punch him.”

Pundits are divided over the causes of her stuttering trajectory since the heady days of late 2000: overexposure, a saccharine image, fans’ changing tastes, poor advice and songs. Yet one factor they all agree has helped bring her down is the virulent derision she has copped from sections of the public and the media.

Continue reading The girl who flew too high

High School Formal

Nikki Webster
Performer and recording artist
McDonald College of Performing Arts, Sydney – Class of 2004

What do you remember of your high school formal?
The most memorable part of the night was everyone in my year arriving in their beautiful gowns and the love and happiness that were spread throughout the room.

What is your favourite memory from the night?
My favourite memory of the night was actually graduating. I never thought I could do it! Also being able to share such a wonderful night with family and friends.

Did you take a date, go with friends or go alone?
I took a great school friend, as I knew he would feel comfortable and I wouldn’t have to baby-sit all night. We still keep in contact. Continue reading High School Formal

Webster’s warning

SYDNEY Olympics teen performer Nikki Webster has warned next week’s young opening ceremony stars to get thick skins in preparation for the knocks to come.

Webster says Australia turned on her after the 2000 Games and she thinks she’ll never outlive the stigma.

“For a 13-year-old who’s just represented their country . . . to be knocked by your country wasn’t the nicest thing,” she said yesterday.

“Hopefully Australia has learnt from my experience and learnt how much it damages and hurts young children.

“Hopefully it’s all over because it is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”

Webster, now 18, sang and soared before a TV audience of billions at the 2000 Olympics opening ceremony.

She says the Olympic cauldron was barely cold before the sniping began.

“I’d gone from over-the-top nice comments like ‘She’s our hero’ to the total opposite.

“People didn’t want to get to know me and give me a fair go.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m 45 years old, there’s always going to be that stigma.”

In 2000, after the Games, Webster sang at the Melbourne Cup and was profiled on 60 Minutes. Since then, she has had one hit single, in 2001, and seven others that missed the top 10.

A suggestive photo shoot for men’s magazine FHM caused a stir a month before her 18th birthday.

Webster urged children in the ceremony to cherish their moment in the spotlight.

“I still lay there at night thinking about what it was like walking out in the middle of the arena and looking around at everyone.

“Get out and have fun. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Nice Life, how’d you get it?

Wanna get in on the fame game? We chatted to four celebs about the perks of being famous, and how they got there…

You were 13 when you had your big break at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Did you always want to be famous?
When I was younger I told my mum and dad that I wanted to go into show business, so I started taking lessons. I was then in some musicals and got the lead in a massive production of The Wizard Of Oz. I love being a performer, I love singing and dancing, and it’s always been my dream.

Was it tough at times?
It can be tough, but you’ve just got to stick at it. My advice would be to try really hard to get different influences and lots of feedback, but still follow your dreams.

What’s the best part about being a celeb?
I love being able to put a smile on people’s faces and allow them to forget their worries while I perform!

What is the hardest part?
It would have to be putting up with other people’s false perceptions of me. I just have to keep telling myself to be strong.

Are there any celebs who you really admire?
I love Kate Hudson’s style. I also think if I met Heath Ledger I would be a little speechless!

What beauty products are you sooo lost without?
Foundation, lip gloss and eyelash curlers!

What are some of your favourite things in your wardrobe?
My white knee-high boots! I also love my leather jacket and wearing dark flared jeans.

Do you have any tips on surviving life in the public eye?
Make sure you keep your private life private, but still allow people to see the real you. Learn who to trust, too.

Source: Dolly magazine
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Dancing Queen

We all thought Nikki Webster was such a brilliant dancer on Channel Seven’s Dancing With the Stars! So, Simone and Amanda decided to enlist Nikki’s help for a few dance tips, and while we were at it, we caught up with one of our favourite Aussie divas…

What’s been the best part about competing in Dancing With the Stars?
Being able to learn new dance styles and to wear some amazing costumes… Not to mention the cast! We have all become close during the making of the show.

Who was your toughest competition?
I don’t think that I had one particular competitor on the show. They were all pretty amazing! But if I had to narrow it down, I would say Jason Smith and Tom Williams. They are spunky boys and I know the girls are voting for them.

Continue reading Dancing Queen

Dancing Queen

Nikki Webster has done it all! She sang with Kylie at the Olympics, had hit albums, a fashion line and most recently appeared on Channel 7’s Dancing With The Stars. Wow!

Were you disappointed when you were voted off Dancing With The Stars?
I had a really great time on the show, and it was a shame that it ended with getting a ‘one’ from Todd McKenney. I feel that because we did the tango and we were judged harshly. It wasn’t consistent with the marks that the other dancers were given. It’s a shame because I really did have the best time on the show. It was really hard with rehearsals seven days a week, but it was worth it.

Do you feel you were unfairly done by?
Well, at the time I was 17, so I couldn’t dance with the passion of someone older who had experienced it, so in that way yes. But I’m glad I did the show to learn the dances and to have fun with it at the same time. Todd made an analogy recently about the competition and that I didn’t do a tango, but he’s got to remember that we’re doing it for charity and raising money for charity. It’s a television program. It’s not a professional ballroom competition.

Continue reading Dancing Queen