When reminiscing on the iconic 2000 Sydney Olympic Games there are many things that immediately spring to mind – Cathy Freeman lighting the final torch and going on to win gold in the 400m, the mascot trio of native animals named Syd, Ollie and Millie and, of course, Nikki Webster‘s memorable performance.
Falling gracefully from the sky, a 13-year-old Nikki was dropped into the stadium to perform in the Olympics opening ceremony, and instantly won gold in the eyes of the Australian nation, and the world.
The country collectively rejoiced when the following year she returned with her hit single, Strawberry Kisses.
The 2001 hit peaked at number two on the ARIA singles and stayed there for a solid seven weeks, but Nikki’s fame eventually faded.
After a surprise performance atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2017, courtesy of Sam Mac and Sunrise, Nikki dropped a reboot of her iconic hit, all in the name of charity – raising money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Watch the video below.
Speaking about her decision to take us down memory lane, Nikki told The Music, “We certainly had no intention to widely promote the song with the aim of a chart position.”
“[It was] simply [to] have a bit of fun and allow people to reminisce for the purpose of supporting a worthwhile charity in Starlight Australia.”
“I think it’s something people needed at this time, a chance to have fun and think about fun times shared with friends over a song when they were young.”
The new film clip also featured Nikki’s five-year-old daughter, Skylah, who she welcomed with her husband at the time Matthew McMah, in 2014.
The singer shocked fans in 2017 when she announced the surprise arrival of her child, son, Malachi.
“I was just so busy!” Nikki told Woman’s Day of keeping her pregnancy under wraps.
“Then I realised I was pregnant [laughs] and we had him. It wasn’t anything strategic. We also wanted to give the kids time to bond together – and it was about me finding time to bond with them as well.”
Last year, the former child star appeared on The Masked Singer Australia as Alien.
After being unmasked on the show Nikki, 33, revealed to Woman’s Day she had split from husband Matthew after seven years of marriage.
Keep scrolling as we take a look at Nikki Webster’s life 20 years on from the Sydney Olympics
Nikki captured Australia’s hearts with her performance at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
20 years on, Nikki’s daughter Skylah tried on her mum’s iconic outfit.
And the resemblance is uncanny!
Johanna Griggs, who was working as a commentator at the Games, shared this throwback snap with Nikki at the Olympics.
The singer revisited the iconic moment at Channel Seven in commemoration of the games’ 20th anniversary.
In 2107, Nikki introduced the world the world to her son Malachi in an exclusive shoot with Woman’s Day.
Nikki Webster and daughter Skylah celebrate the anniversary of the 2000 Olympics
Nikki is now teaching the next generation of stars to dance running three dance schools across Sydney.
We can’t get enough of these matching Christmas outfits!
Las year, Nikki appeared on The Masked Singer as Alien.
The star was unmasked, much to fans delight.
Most recently, the former child star was announced as the host of Dance Moms Australia which is set to come down under.
