Nikki Webster performs her legendary hit “Strawberry Kisses” during the Matildas ceremony – while players Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold dance and sing along
Nikki Webster’s 2001 hit “Strawberry Kisses” became the unofficial anthem of the 2023 Matildas World Cup team.
And on Sunday, the 36-year-old pop star sang the Australian football team’s song on the Riverstage in Brisbane as they celebrated their fourth-place finish in the tournament.
Nikki was in her element as she got up close and personal with the athletes and performed her song in front of thousands of fans.
The Matildas were on stage for almost an hour as their tremendous athletic achievement was recognized when out of nowhere Webster appeared to perform for them.
Nikki looked every inch stunning as she effortlessly performed the tune to the esteemed athletes, including star forward Sam Kerr and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Nikki Webster’s 2001 hit “Strawberry Kisses” became the unofficial anthem of Matilda’s 2023 World Cup team. Pictured: Nikki Webster and Matilda’s star forward Sam Kerr
The Matildas were delighted to finally be able to relax after a grueling finals in which they finished fourth after losing to Sweden on Saturday.
Fans quickly gushed on Twitter as Webster serenaded the Tillies.
“What better way to celebrate the Tillies than a performance by Nikki Webster herself,” one fan wrote, while another added, “This is so iconic it’s making me cry.”
And on Sunday, the 36-year-old pop star sang the Australian football team’s song on the Riverstage in Brisbane as they celebrated their fourth-place finish in the tournament
It comes after Webster made a shocking admission about her signature “Strawberry Kisses” song.
Last week, the former child star said she doesn’t receive any royalties for the song, which reached #2 on the ARIA chart.
Speaking on Wednesday’s 2DayFM breakfast show Hughesy, Ed & Erin, Webster explained that she is not entitled to any revenue from sales because she did not write the song.
She also added the unforgettable music video of a 13-year-old Webster dancing with an animated robot – at the time the most expensive film clip ever shot in Australia.
Webster couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she stepped up close to the athletes and effortlessly played the tune to them as thousands of fans watched
Webster joked that the hit’s writers were “very pleased” with her, as Matildas goalie Mackenzie Arnold revealed that “Strawberry Kisses” was a team favorite.
After presenter Erin Molan asked if Webster was entitled to any of the Strawberry Kisses prizes, the popular Aussie star replied: “No, the money they have invested in you as an artist can be recovered by the record company.”
Released in June 2001, “Strawberry Kisses” was written by Jeff Franzel, Andy Marvel and Marjorie Maye and spent a whopping 14 weeks on the ARIA chart.
It comes after Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold revealed “Strawberry Kisses” was the song the team played before kick-off.
“I don’t know where that came from.” I think it actually was [Matilda] “Steph Catley’s favorite song and now we’re all on board,” she said last week.
The Matildas were on stage for almost an hour as their tremendous athletic achievement was recognized when out of nowhere Webster appeared to perform for them
Nikki looked every inch stunning as she effortlessly performed the tune to the esteemed athletes