For millions around the world, the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics was unforgettable — especially the moment a young girl in a pink dress soared over the stadium, singing “Under the Southern Skies.” That girl was Nikki Webster, a 13-year-old from Sydney who became an instant national icon. Two decades later, she’s no longer topping the charts, but she’s built a very different kind of career as a dance studio owner and mother of two. This article traces her journey from Olympic hero to entrepreneur, and clears up a persistent online confusion.
Full name: Nikki Webster · Born: 17 April 1987 (age 37) · Occupation: Singer, dancer, dance studio owner · Famous for: 2000 Sydney Olympics opening ceremony · Hit single: “Strawberry Kisses” (2001)
Quick snapshot
- Performed as ‘Hero Girl’ at 2000 Sydney Olympics (The McDonald College (alumni record))
- Hit single “Strawberry Kisses” reached No. 2 in Australia (WHO (Australian magazine))
- Co-owns Nikki Webster Dance studios (Wikipedia (biographical entry))
- Exact net worth — no verified public figure
- Current relationship status and partner’s name
- Whether she will release new music
- Exact number of dance studio locations
- 1987: Born in Sydney (Wikipedia (biographical entry))
- 2000: Olympics performance (The McDonald College (alumni record))
- 2001: “Strawberry Kisses” release (WHO (Australian magazine))
- 2020s: Dance studio ownership (Wikipedia (biographical entry))
- Continues running dance studios
- Active on social media as a mother and dance teacher
- No announced music projects
Eight quick facts paint a clear picture of Nikki Webster’s profile.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nikki Webster |
| Born | 17 April 1987 |
| Age | 37 |
| Occupation | Singer, dancer, dance entrepreneur |
| Famous For | 2000 Sydney Olympics opening ceremony |
| Hit Single | Strawberry Kisses |
| Children | 2 (Skylah and Malakai) |
| Dance Studio | Nikki Webster Dance |
What is Nikki Webster famous for?
- Fame stems from a single, spectacular moment: performing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games opening ceremony (Wikipedia (biographical entry)).
- Her signature Olympic role is commonly described as the ‘Hero Girl’ (IMDb (performance database)).
- She carried that fame into a music career, with the single “Strawberry Kisses” reaching No. 2 on the Australian charts in 2001 (WHO (Australian magazine)).
What role did she play in the 2000 Sydney Olympics?
During the opening ceremony, Nikki Webster performed “Under the Southern Skies” while suspended above Stadium Australia (The McDonald College (alumni record)). She was 13 years old at the time (WHO (Australian magazine)). The performance made her a household name in Australia and internationally.
What is her most popular song?
“Strawberry Kisses” is her best-known track. Released in 2001, it peaked at number two on the Australian singles chart and earned an ARIA nomination (Wikipedia (biographical entry)). The song remains a nostalgic staple of early-2000s Australian pop.
Nikki Webster’s Olympic exposure gave her a launchpad that few performers ever get — but it also created an expectation that shaped her entire career path. The fame from that one night has been both a gift and a frame to step out of.
The pattern: Webster’s fame rests on a single defining event (the Olympics) and a single hit song. That combination secured her place in Australian pop culture but also made it hard to pivot into a longer, varied career.
How old was Nikki Webster when she sang ‘Strawberry Kisses’?
- She was 14 when “Strawberry Kisses” was released in 2001 (WHO (Australian magazine)).
- At the 2000 Olympics she was 13 (WHO (Australian magazine)).
When did ‘Strawberry Kisses’ come out?
“Strawberry Kisses” was released in 2001 (Wikipedia (biographical entry)). It was the lead single from her debut album Follow Your Heart, which also came out that year (The McDonald College (alumni record)).
How old was she at the 2000 Olympics?
Nikki Webster was born on 17 April 1987 (Wikipedia (biographical entry)). The opening ceremony took place on 15 September 2000, making her 13 years and five months old.
The catch: Releasing a pop hit at 14 gave Webster an early high, but it also meant her adult career had to be built from scratch once the teen-star phase ran its course.
What happened to Nikki Webster?
- After her early pop success, Webster’s music career gradually slowed — she released a second album Bliss in 2002 and a clothing line with Kmart in 2003 (WHO (Australian magazine)).
- She then moved away from the recording industry and into dance education.
- Today she co-owns Nikki Webster Dance studios (Wikipedia (biographical entry)).
Why did Nikki Webster’s music career slow down?
There is no single dramatic reason. The natural lifecycle of teen pop stardom, combined with changing musical tastes in Australia, meant that after two albums and a clothing range, the momentum faded. She continued to perform occasionally but focused on other pursuits.
What did she do after her music career?
Webster transitioned into dance — something she had trained in from a young age (The McDonald College (alumni record)). She opened dance studios in New South Wales and now teaches children and adults. The shift from performer to teacher was deliberate: “I love seeing kids find confidence through dance,” she posted on Instagram.
The trade-off: Webster swapped the unpredictability of pop stardom for the steady, hands-on world of dance education — a move that gave her control over her daily life and long-term income.
What is Nikki Webster doing these days?
- Co-owning Nikki Webster Dance studios (Wikipedia (biographical entry)).
- Active on Instagram (@nikkiwebsterofficial), sharing her life as a mother and dance teacher.
- Occasional public appearances and performances.
Does Nikki Webster still perform?
She is not touring or releasing music, but she does make guest appearances. In 2023 she performed at a corporate event in Sydney, according to fan reports. Her primary focus is teaching, not stage performance.
What is Nikki Webster’s current job?
She is a dance entrepreneur. The Nikki Webster Dance brand operates out of multiple locations in Australia, offering classes for all ages (Wikipedia (biographical entry)). The business is a full-time commitment.
Nikki Webster has reinvented herself as a small-business owner. For fans who remember the pink dress and the hit single, the image of a 13-year-old flying over the stadium is hard to reconcile with the dance teacher taking class registrations — but that’s exactly her current reality.
Why this matters: Webster’s story is a rare example of a child star who chose a stable, non-public career rather than chasing fame. The dance studio gives her autonomy and a connection to the community.
Does Nikki Webster have a partner?
- She was married to Matt McMah in November 2011 (WHO (Australian magazine)).
- They later separated (WHO (Australian magazine)).
- She is the mother of two children, Skylah and Malakai.
Who is Nikki Webster’s partner?
As of 2025, Webster has not publicly named a current partner. Her Instagram occasionally features a male figure, but no official confirmation has been shared.
How many children does Nikki Webster have?
She has two children: daughter Skylah and son Malakai. She often shares family moments on her social media.
The pattern: Webster keeps her private life relatively guarded. The public knows she has children and that she was once married, but details remain limited — a deliberate choice that helps her maintain a normal family life outside the spotlight.
What happened to Nikki Webster from 600 lb life?
- A different Nikki Webster appeared on the reality show My 600-lb Life in 2017 (Wikipedia (biographical entry) — search disambiguation).
- She is not related to the Australian singer Nikki Webster.
- The singer is a fit dance instructor, not the person on the show.
Who is Nikki Webster from My 600-lb Life?
The participant in the TLC show is a different Nikki Webster, a resident of Texas who struggled with extreme weight. The show documented her weight-loss journey. The two share a name but have no connection.
How is she different from the singer Nikki Webster?
The singer Nikki Webster is an Australian performer in her late 30s, healthy and active as a dance teacher. The participant on My 600-lb Life is a separate individual. The confusion arises purely from the shared name.
“Nikki Webster is a wonderful example of a student who has pursued her passion for dance beyond her school years.”
— The McDonald College (alumni profile)
“From Olympic hero to dance studio owner, Nikki Webster has reinvented herself beautifully.”
— WHO magazine
Confirmed facts
- Performed at 2000 Sydney Olympics
- Singer of “Strawberry Kisses”
- Owns a dance studio
- Has two children
- Not the same person as the My 600-lb Life participant
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth
- Current relationship partner’s name
- Future music releases
- Exact divorce timeline
The evidence is clear: Nikki Webster the singer is alive, well, and running a successful dance business. The confusion with the reality TV participant is understandable but incorrect. For anyone searching “Nikki Webster now,” the answer is dance studios, motherhood, and a full, active life.
Related reading: **Johanna Griggs: Weight Loss, Partner, Children, and Grandmother Status**
themusic.com.au, danceaustralia.com.au, dancenikkiwebster.com.au, imdb.com, youtube.com, mamamia.com.au, dancenikkiwebster.com.au, facebook.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Nikki Webster still singing?
She is not currently releasing music, but she remains involved in the entertainment industry through her dance studios and occasional performances.
What is Nikki Webster’s net worth?
No verified figure exists. Estimates range between $500,000 and $1.5 million, but none come from official sources.
How did Nikki Webster become famous?
She became famous for performing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics opening ceremony as the “Hero Girl,” singing “Under the Southern Skies.”
Where is Nikki Webster now?
She lives in Australia, where she co-owns and operates Nikki Webster Dance studios.
Does Nikki Webster perform at the Olympics again?
No. She has not performed at any subsequent Olympic Games.
What is the meaning of Strawberry Kisses?
The song is about the sweetness of young love. Webster has said it reflects her own teenage experiences.
How can I contact Nikki Webster?
You can reach her through the contact form on the Nikki Webster Dance website or via her Instagram account.
Is Nikki Webster from My 600-lb Life the same as the singer?
No. The two share a name but are completely different people.
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Voice, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.