Interview with Nikki on October 15th, 2000
ninemsn in association with 60 Minutes presents a live interview with Nikki Webster, young star of the Olympics opening ceremony.
Host amicus_9msn: Nikki, welcome to our interview tonight in cyberspace.
Host Nikki Webster: Hello, I'm free to talk.
Host amicus_9msn: Nikki, let's get right to the questions from our chatters. Everyone has been awaiting your arrival eagerly.
dazza: Nikki, how many hours a day went into rehearsals for the Olympic ceremony?
Host Nikki Webster: For the opening ceremony there were about two to three rehearsals a week, basically of a night-time, for about two-and-a-half hours, and for the closing, I only had about two or three rehearsals up, and as it got closer to the opening ceremony, there were about four rehearsals a week.
cnb: Nikki, how have you found being in the spotlight of the media now?
Host Nikki Webster: It's been pretty amazing and it's all come up quite quickly, but it's all been such a great experience.
chelsea: Nikki, how would you describe the day when they told you that you were chosen to star in the opening ceremony?
Host Nikki Webster: It was on the fourth of August, at night-time, and we were all sitting in a room when David Atkins told me. I was just so excited I was shaking. I just wanted to get out of the room so that I could really express my joy. I can't describe it - it was just amazing.
CaSeY: Nikki, how did your friends take the news that you, out of thousands of girls in Australia, got in the opening and closing ceremony?
Host Nikki Webster: The ones that were involved in the opening ceremony were the only ones that knew, but my other friends didn't have any idea - I just told them to watch it, as it'd be great.
No_1_FAN: Nikki Webster, your overwhelming talent and girl-next-door looks left us in tears at the Olympics. Is there any chance of seeing you with an encore performance at the Paralympics?
Host Nikki Webster: No, I haven't been asked yet, but I'd love to do the Paralympics.
Alicia: Was it scary at the closing ceremony on that thing under the flame?
Host Nikki Webster: No, it wasn't scary. It was really, really safe. I had a harness, so it was really safe. It was great fun.
angela: Nikki, congratulations on your achievements. Has this new popularity changed your persona do you think?
Host Nikki Webster: Not really, but people do recognise me when I walk down the street. It makes me feel good because it makes me feel that I did a really good job and that people really enjoyed what I did.
FREEMYSOUL: Was this a voluntary effort on your behalf or did you get financially rewarded?
Host Nikki Webster: I basically did it because I wanted to do it and I wanted to be a part of it.
arko: Nikki, when did you know you wanted to take up singing, etc?
Host Nikki Webster: I really knew when I was about four or five when I watched people on the TV and went to a couple of clubs and saw people perform and I just knew that's what I wanted to do some day, so I asked my mum to take me to some acting and singing and dancing classes, which she did, and it's just lifted off from there.
Gayle: Nikki, can any of your relatives (mum or dad, etc) sing or dance? How did you know you had talent?
Host Nikki Webster: My mum and dad don't sing or dance. I probably knew when I got some of the roles in my musicals: Cinderella, Aladdin. I played Cosette in Les Mis and Brigitta in The Sound of Music and then probably from some of my TV commercials and some little roles that I had.
james: Nikki, what's the best thing your parents have done to help you achieve your dreams?
Host Nikki Webster: Probably just being there for me and letting me do what I want and also taking me to all my dance classes and performances.
FREEMYSOUL: Nikki, have you considered what consequences this opportunity will have on your future?
Host Nikki Webster: Well, I've got my movie coming up, Vanilla Gorilla, which will be amazing and which was one of my dreams and I hope that after my movie I get lots more offers, as this is what I want to do, be an all-round performer.
jen: Hi, Nikki, what is the name of the movie you are going to be in?
Host Nikki Webster: Hi Jen, it's called Vanilla Gorilla.
james: Nikki, I have two young children aged three and two years who seem very talented with music and arts. What's your advice on getting them started?
Host Nikki Webster: Just to enjoy what they want to do and follow their dream, which I've done and I've come so far, and hopefully we can see them up there one day!
cnb: Nikki, what year are you in at school and do you think you will finish school?
Host Nikki Webster: I'm in Year Eight at school and I will definitely try and finish school.
Annalurvesnikki: Do you know of a school in Melbourne that is like your school with the performing arts?
Host Nikki Webster: Not really. I'm not quite sure of any schools in Melbourne.
Bleary_charlie: Nikki, could you tell me how I could get some information about your school?
Host Nikki Webster: It's called McDonald College and if you phone them they'll send you out some information. It's in North Strathfield.
Host amicus_9msn: Nikki, does your school have a website, either an official one or one set up by students?
Host Nikki Webster: Yes, they do have a website but I'm not too sure of the address right at this minute.
cnb: Nikki, is this your first time in a chat room?
Host Nikki Webster: Yes, it's my first time in a chat room.
Gayle: Nikki, how many hours of your school day are spent doing arts rehearsals?
Host Nikki Webster: You have two hours a day of whatever performing arts you want to do during school hours.
sally: Nikki, what TV show would you like to appear in? Australian or international?
Host Nikki Webster: I wouldn't really mind. Hopefully there'll be some offers, but I'd definitely like to appear in at least one Australian TV show.
Jesse: What does a talented person like you, Nikki, do for hobbies in your spare time?
Host Nikki Webster: My hobbies are going to my dance classes and doing my dance stuff. In my spare time, I go to my dance classes and spend time with my dog - and I love horses as well.
Jeff: What sports do you play?
Host Nikki Webster: No specific sports. Probably just some swimming or soccer or netball.
Gayle: Nikki, what famous actor would you love to be in a movie with?
Host Nikki Webster: Probably Nicole Kidman or Bruce Willis, Gwyneth Paltrow as well.
Kc_hi-5wannabe: Nikki, do you like Hi-5? I know it's bizarre, but I love them (I'm 15). Do you?
Host Nikki Webster: I think they're cute and really good singers. One of them actually went to my school and I know Nathan, one of the boys.
Jacob: Nikki, do you have the time for a boyfriend or are you too young for that?
Host Nikki Webster: I don't have a boyfriend yet, but yeah ... hopefully!
fan202: Nikki, what is you favourite colour and Chupa Chup flavour?
Host Nikki Webster: My favourite colours are purple and blue and my favourite Chupa Chup flavour is cherry and pineapple.
Tap_Doggie: Nikki, how was it dancing with Kylie Minogue. I mean, it must have been fantastic!
Host Nikki Webster: It was definitely fantastic, especially as she's one of my idols. It was amazing!
michael: Nikki, can you tell us anything about your movie Vanilla Gorilla and the role you will play?
Host Nikki Webster: Yes. It's about a gorilla who's learnt sign language throughout its life because someone is doing research on this gorilla and then when my character comes along, the gorilla teaches me the sign language and then when I know the sign language well enough to understand what the gorilla's telling me and stuff, it asks me to take it back to its natural habitat.
Nessa: Nikki, do you have any websites of your own?
Host Nikki Webster: No, no official websites yet, but there's a couple of unofficial websites which a couple of children have made up for me.
james: Nikki, would you leave Australia in search of fame overseas if it meant you had quicker success?
Host Nikki Webster: I don't think I'd become an American star or anything like that. But if I ever had to move over there for something, I suppose I'd have to. But I'd always be an Australian performer.
ErwinfromHolland: Nikki, do you know when your CD is coming out? I heard it would be in a few weeks' time?
Host Nikki Webster: My single is already out with the two songs that I sang at the opening and closing ceremonies.
Rugs: Nikki, is there somewhere we can send your CD cover to so that you can autograph it please?
Host Nikki Webster: Yes. You can send it to PO Box 311, Homebush South 2140, and I will sign it for you.
Richie: Nikki, when will you be heading overseas for the shooting of Vanilla Gorilla?
Host Nikki Webster: It's going to be shot in South Africa in February for about seven to eight weeks.
Gayle: Nikki, how long will you be in Africa for? How much school will you miss out on?
Host Nikki Webster: It's seven to eight weeks and I will have a tutor. My school will send my schoolwork over to my tutor, so I won't really miss out on any schoolwork.
Melita: Congratulations Nikki on all your success and could you please give 60 Minutes a fan mail address for us to write to. My daughter would love to send you a letter. Thanks :)
Host Nikki Webster: Thank you very much. You can send a letter to the PO box above.
Louise: Who was your favourite competitor at the Olympics?
Host Nikki Webster: Cathy Freeman, because she did so well.
Jeff: Nikki, would you like to appear in Home and Away or Neighbours?
Host Nikki Webster: Yes, I'd love to appear probably in Home and Away because I always watch that program.
Angel_Without_wings: Nikki, do you want to do more stage work or would you like to do the big screen and TV?
Host Nikki Webster: I'd love to do more stage work. I guess whatever comes up I'll take because I want to be an all-round performer.
krakergak: Nikki, what other countries have you been to or would like to go to?
Host Nikki Webster: I've been to quite a few countries - America, England - but nothing for a performance or anything. Just with the family to see some people.
Inspiration: Nikki, what sort of music do you like listening to? Do you have a favourite band/singer?
Host Nikki Webster: I like listening to lots of different types of music. Probably more pop music. My favourite singer would have to be Kylie Minogue.
vera: Hey, Nikki. Everyone's been saying how inspired they were - who inspired you?
Host Nikki Webster: Probably Kylie Minogue and Olivia Newton-John, because they're my idols. Just the great experience that David Atkins and Ric Birch gave me. It would also have to be when I walked into the middle of the arena, when the audience started clapping - it was a great boost to me.
Erin_000: What breed is your dog, 'cause it's soooooo cute?
Host Nikki Webster: My dog Star is half-poodle and half-Maltese.
astrogurl: Nikki, hey! If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Host Nikki Webster: Water, my puppy and food ... or a phone or something!
birthday_boy: Nikki, if you could have anything besides fame, what would that be?
Host Nikki Webster: I don't know, because this is always what I've dreamed of. I'm not quite sure.
sabear: Nikki, was it everything that you expected because you looked so natural, as if you were made to entertain the world?
Host Nikki Webster: Well, when I got out there I was just trying to be in character to make everyone believe the story I was telling. I was just having the time of my life.
Katieys: Nikki, how has fame changed your everyday life?
Host Nikki Webster: It's probably been a bit more hectic with press and stuff, but it hasn't changed my everyday life drastically. Everyone's just been great and really nice to me.
Emily: Are you more aware of Aboriginal issues as a result of your role in the opening ceremony, Nikki? Do you think John Howard should say sorry on behalf of the nation?
Host Nikki Webster: I am definitely more aware, just from being around the Aborigines and seeing how kind they are, not just to their family but to everyone around them, and yes, I think he should say sorry.
Qwerty: Do you think that there could be anything to top your performance at the Olympics?
Host Nikki Webster: Oh, I don't think there could be anything as big and as exciting as being a part of the opening and closing ceremony,especially when it was in my own home town of Sydney, but I would definitely love for there to be bigger things, just because it would be great for me.
magicman: You have given us kids more hope in trying to achieve what we do best :) What do you think you will be doing in 10 years' time?
Host Nikki Webster: Well, thank you for that compliment. Hopefully I'll be a big star that is loved by everybody. That's what I'd love to do.
you_the_best: Nikki, I'd like to thank you for what you have done for Australia. Personally you have boosted my self-esteem and I think I can do that sort of thing now. How do you feel when you are walking down the street and someone realises who you are?
Host Nikki Webster: It's actually quite different to about two to three days before the opening ceremony,. But as I said before, it's been amazing. Everyone's been giving me compliments and everyone's just been so nice.
Rowan_Kimber: Nikki, I am one of many thousands of Year 12 students around Australia. During Sydney 2000 you demonstrated that dreams can come true. Have you any words of inspiration for the students who like you are reaching for the stars?
Host Nikki Webster: I just hope that when Year 12 students finish school, they go out and follow their dreams and go out and do what they want to do and have the best time of their lives and that they're up there one day.
Host amicus_9msn: Nikki, thanks for joining us tonight. I know everyone has been expressing how inspired they were by you and sending lots of congratulations. We all want to wish you the very best in your upcoming projects and the very best in your future, career-wise and personally.
Host Nikki Webster: Thank you very much for having me tonight and thanks for the great questions you all asked - and good luck to everybody. I've now got the McDonald College website address. It's www.mcdonaldcollege.nsw.edu.au
Host amicus_9msn: Thank you again Nikki and goodnight. This concludes our 60 Minutes live chat with Nikki Webster, October 15, 2000. Produced by ninemsn.com.au in Sydney, Australia, ninemsn.com.au ©2000.
Top
