Behind the Music

Episode 179: Spice Girls

November 23, 2003 • 60 min

They are a proud and sassy slew of songsters whose catchy dance-pop and colorful, sexy personalities made them musical superstars. Spice Girls are a British pop sensation who exploded into a worldwide phenomenon. In the summer of 1996, they released their first single "Wannabe" which became the first debut single by an all-female band to enter the charts at number one in England.As they exploded in the UK, every member of Spice Girls was given a specific identity by the British press: Geri Halliwell was called "Ginger Spice," Melanie Janine Brown (Mel B) was nicknamed "Scary Spice," Melanie Jayne Chisolm (Mel C) went by "Sporty Spice," Emma Lee Bunton was called "Baby Spice," and Victoria Addams was called "Posh Spice."Each one of these personas were exploited in the group's press articles and videos which helped send "Wannabe" climbing to the top of the charts in 1996. It remained at number one for seven weeks, and by the end of the year, "Wannabe" was a number one hit in 21 other countries.Spice Girls became media icons in Britain and in early 1997, they focused their attention on America. When they released the hit "Wannabe," they became massive stars - and role models - in the U.S.With more hits including "Say You'll Be There" and "2 Become 1," Spice Girls were a musical force to be reckoned with. Additionally, they appeared in their own feature film Spiceworld. Then, in May 1998, Geri Halliwell made a dramatic exit from the group, she departed and released a solo album, Schizophonic, a year later.Still, Spice Girls prevailed - they scored a number one hit with "Goodbye" and dazzled the media with their spectacular personal lives as well. Scary Spice married dancer Jimmy Gulzar and released a solo single with Missy Elliott called "I Want You Back." Posh Spice married soccer star David Beckham; their relationship has been a source of tabloid fodder ever since. Sporty Spice took over the English charts with her successful solo effort Northern Star, which was released in the U.S. in fall 1999. Baby Spice guested on Tin Tin Out's "What I Am" in 1999, and two years later returned with the catchy "What Took You So Long?" which shot to number one during its first week of release. The following year, the girls headed back into the studio with high-profile producers to record a follow-up to their pop-friendly Spiceworld, and Forever was released in the fall of 2000. But will Spice Girls ever reclaim their throne at the top of the pop charts? VH1's landmark series Behind The Music brings you the story of the girls' rocky past and the uncharted territory that lies ahead.