Heartbreaking tales of these fleeting stars
Thirty years ago, one of the biggest girl bands in history was formed. What would follow surprised everyone: massive, international commercial success, not to mention a movie, dolls, and even more branded merchandise. The Spice Girls still hold the record for the biggest-selling girl group of all time. Spice mania gripped the world in a '90s pop culture moment of never-before-seen "girl power."
As rumors swirl of a reunion with all five members in 2024, let's take a trip down memory lane to remember their four explosive years together, and find out where they are now. Click through the gallery to go back in time to Spiceworld.
The Spice Girls were formed in 1994, after they each answered an ad in a trade magazine seeking to create a "manufactured" female pop group.
Chosen from the hundreds of women who auditioned, the group dropped their original manager before signing to Virgin Records in 1995.
Their breakaway from management was the first stirrings of the "Girl Power" principle that would be a cornerstone of their messaging.
Their first single, 'Wannabe' was released in July 1996, becoming a chart sensation. It remained at the top of the singles chart for most of the summer.
A Top of the Pops magazine article that came out around the same time anointed them Ginger, Scary, Posh, Baby, and Sporty.
The names were embraced by fans, the media, and the band. 'Wannabe' reached number one in over 30 countries, with the iconic video reaching an international audience.
The band's debut album 'Spice' was released the following year. It would sell 19 million copies worldwide in its first year alone.
The album produced three more number-one singles: 'Say You'll Be There,' '2 Become 1,' and 'Who Do You Think You Are'/'Mama.'
It was followed by the album 'Spiceworld' in 1997. The Spice Girls achieved three number-one singles from the album with 'Spice Up Your Life,' 'Too Much,' and 'Viva Forever.'
Both 'Spice' and 'Spiceworld' had plenty of upbeat dance tracks and espoused a message of female empowerment.
In 1997, the girls made their US debut, taking over the Billboard album and singles charts.
They released their first book 'Girl Power!' the same year, which featured photographs, lyrics, and biographical snippets.
The book sold out of its initial print run in a day, eventually being translated into 20 different languages.
Their 1997 movie 'Spice World' was announced by the group at the Cannes Film Festival. The girls wrote the songs for the 'Spice World' album at the same time as filming the movie, which created a grueling work schedule.
In 1998, the Spice Girls had around 20 sponsorship deals, and they began to experience an overexposure backlash. Although they were the best-selling pop group of 1997 and 1998, their popularity began to wane.
Geri Halliwell is most closely associated with their girl power slogan. Her Union Jack dress became a pop culture symbol, and she famously broke protocol when meeting then-Prince Charles by kissing him on each cheek.
Halliwell was the first to leave the group in 1998, citing exhaustion and creative differences. The group was in the middle of a world tour at the time. Since then, she released her own albums, and has taken part in the group's reunions. She is married and has two children.
Having risen to fame as a member of the Spice Girls, Mel B debuted as a solo artist in 1998 with the release of her single 'I Want You Back.'
In the intervening years, she's made countless appearances on TV, notably as a judge on talent shows including the Australian version of 'The X Factor,' and 'America's Got Talent.' She has three children.
Sporty Spice started her solo career in 1998 with the single 'Baby When You're Gone' with Canadian singer Bryan Adams. Her solo UK album was a success and she has co-written 11 UK number-ones.
Apart from singing, Mel C has been a judge on TV show panels, as well as acting on stage, writing an autobiography, and taking part in the Spice Girls' reunions. She has now also established herself as a DJ.
The youngest member of the group, Emma Bunton aka Baby Spice, released several singles and two albums as a solo artist.
Bunton has appeared in the BBC series 'Absolutely Fabulous' as well as being a contestant on 'Strictly Come Dancing' and a judge on 'Dancing on Ice.' She is a radio presenter for Heart in London, and has two children.
When she joined the group as Victoria Adams in 1994, Posh Spice hadn't yet met her famous footballer spouse. In 1999 she married David Beckham and in 2001, she released a debut solo album.
Victoria launched her eponymous fashion label in 2008 following earlier forays into the sartorial world. She has four children.
On August 12, 2012, the Spice Girls reunited for the Closing Ceremony of the London Summer Olympics, performing on top of modified London black taxi cabs.
They sang their hit singles 'Wannabe' and 'Spice Up Your Life' at the ceremony, which was titled 'A Symphony of British Music.' Sadly, Ginger Spice didn't wear her famous Union Jack dress for the occasion.
In 2019, the group reunited, this time without Victoria Beckham, for a sold-out tour that included dates in the UK and Ireland. Ticketmaster's website crashed on the day of ticket launch, due to demand.
On April 17, 2024, Victoria Beckham turned 50 and, for the first time in a long time, fans got to see all five Spice Girls reunite for her big birthday bash. The group even sang ‘Stop’ for her star-studded guest list. A whole 30 years on and the girl power is still going strong!
The Spice Girls: 30 years of girl power
What do the Spice Girls look like today?
MUSIC Pop
Thirty years ago, one of the biggest girl bands in history was formed. What would follow surprised everyone: massive, international commercial success, not to mention a movie, dolls, and even more branded merchandise. The Spice Girls still hold the record for the biggest-selling girl group of all time. Spice mania gripped the world in a '90s pop culture moment of never-before-seen "girl power."
So, let's take a trip down memory lane to remember their four explosive years together, and find out where they are now. Click through the gallery to go back in time to Spiceworld.