Trigger Warning: This article contains a reference to domestic violence.
Aussie singer Nikki Webster first came to our attention during the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when the then-13-year-old flew across the stage as she demonstrated a voice well beyond her years.
While we may still see Webster as the cherub-faced wunderkind who stole the show that iconic night, the reality is that the pop star is now a grown woman with two children of her own.
Now 33, Webster has said that she would be open to being Australia’s next The Bachelorette, asking Woman’s Day “how else do you meet men these days?” It’s a valid question and one which she could have a lot of fun answering if she were to take part in the popular dating series.
Viewers would likely be intrigued to see Webster handing out roses to potential suitors and to learn more about what the Strawberry Kisses singer has been up to in the two decades since she captured our national attention.
It hasn’t always been the easiest path for the talented performer, who experienced the highs of success and the harsh reality of a fickle public and the tall poppy syndrome that Aussies are so notorious for.
Webster’s personal life has seen its share of tumult, with the singer splitting from her husband of six years, Matthew McMah in 2019. The marriage ended after an incident that resulted in McMah being charged with common assault domestic violence – a stark reminder that even the most wholesome of child stars are not immune to such trauma.
The singer, who at one stage had her own clothing line at Kmart, is now a successful business owner – running a dance school for kids and even hoping to bring American reality series Dance Moms to Australia, although these plans have been put on hold due to the coronavirus epidemic.
The mother-of-two also appeared on The Masked Singer on Channel 10 in 2019 disguised as the alien, garnering plenty of praise for her performance. “I was flattered that people still thought I was distinct and could remember me,” Nikki told TV WEEK at the time.
There is no doubt that we absolutely remember Webster, the image of her pink dress, flying act and melodic vocals indelibly etched into our minds. However, we’d do well to also remember that Webster is now a woman in her own right and one who, like so many others, is looking for the chance to be happy and in love once more.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse or sexual assault, call 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT)
This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.