The Spice Girls, one of the most iconic girl groups in music history, formed in 1994 and took the world by storm with their catchy tunes and “girl power” attitude. Comprised of Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice), Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice), Mel B (Scary Spice), Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice), and Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), the group quickly became a global sensation.
Originally named Touch, the group later changed their name to Spice after co-writing a song titled “Sugar and Spice.” However, they eventually discovered that another artist was already using the moniker Spice, prompting them to change their name once again to Spice Girls.
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The Spice Girls’ debut single, “Wannabe,” was released in July 1996, and it quickly became a worldwide hit. Their first album, Spice, followed in November of that same year, and the group went on to drop a string of chart-topping hits, including “Spice Up Your Life,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” and “Stop.”
Despite their immense success, the Spice Girls were not immune to conflict within the group. Halliwell announced her intentions to leave the band in May 1998, citing personal differences with the other members. The remaining members of the group went on to pursue solo careers, and the Spice Girls went on an indefinite hiatus in December 2000.
Seven years later, the Spice Girls reunited for a worldwide tour. In August 2012, they performed a medley of their greatest hits at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The reunion was a massive success, with fans thrilled to see the group back together.
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However, not all of the members were on board for a second reunion. In November 2018, Halliwell, Mel B, Chisholm, and Bunton announced their plans to tour again without Beckham, who declined to participate. Despite this professional parting of ways, the women remain close friends.
In 2020, the Spice Girls reunited once again, this time amid the coronavirus pandemic. The group, all wearing wellies, went on a social-distancing walk in the woods. Bunton later recounted the experience on her U.K. radio show, saying, “This time last year, we were performing at Wembley all glammed up. Well, this year we were in wellies, walking in the rain. Something you don’t see every day — five Spice Girls in their wellies!”
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The Spice Girls’ legacy continues to inspire and empower young girls and women around the world. Their “girl power” message resonates just as strongly today as it did in the ‘90s, and their music remains a beloved part of pop culture.