AFTER being a DJ for only 12 months, Helena Ellis of Blakehurst had a major career dream come true: performing with hip-hop and R'n'B royalty, Nelly.
As part of Nelly's recent sold-out tour of Australia and New Zealand, Ellis performed as the curtain-raiser at Sydney Entertainment Centre on January 8.
She is a popular DJ in the Sydney bar and nightclub scene and joined other DJs and international performers, Lupe Fiasco and B.O.B, in the star-studded line-up.
After finishing her set, Ellis joined fellow Nelly fans in the crowd to enjoy the rest of the main performance but little did she know her stage time was not yet over.
Mid-way through his performance, Nelly plucked three women from the crowd to strut their stuff on stage with him — and in an interesting twist of fate, it was Ellis who caught the eye of the international rapper.
"Because I was one of the DJs, everyone thought it was rigged when I was chosen but I had not introduced myself to Nelly yet, so it was a complete coincidence," Ellis said.
As a former dancer and singer in the girl pop group Cherry, Ellis was more than at ease on stage, with her dance moves even grabbing a few mentions among online concert reviews.
She said the experience was the biggest highlight so far of her DJ career.
"This is the start of many big things for Helena," said manager Elle Watson of Mode Mgmt.
Nelly returned to the stage on Sunday, January 18, for his final Sydney show at Marquee Sydney with Ellis again deejaying.
Details: www.facebook.com/djhelenaellis
