It’s hard to imagine that there will ever be a pop phenomenon as massive as the Spice Girls.
Last night, ITV1 aired The Spice Girls Story: Viva Forever, a new documentary that follows the iconic fivesome’s meteoric rise to fame: From the early auditions, to their big breakout with manager Simon Fuller, to Geri‘s departure, to the 2007 world reunion tour, to the 2012 Summer Olympics. Simultaneously, we get a glimpse into the making of Viva Forever, the long-awaited Spice Girls-themed musical, which opened just weeks ago in the West End.
Redefining the word “flawless” since 1996.
STOP YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW, SLAM YOUR BODY DOWN AND WIND IT ALL AROUND: HISTORY HAS JUST BEEN MADE.
16 years after releasing their debut single in the UK, the Spice Girls climbed right back on top of the world one more (final?) time tonight–during the most-watched event in television history, no less: The 2012 Olympics.
Nearly two hours into the Olympic Closing Ceremony earlier this evening in London–which included incredible performances by the Emeli Sandé, the Pet Shop Boys (serving conehead realness), Annie Lennox (serving fierce gothic pirate wench realness), Emeli Sandé again, George Michael (serving “Yay, he’s performing “Freedom”! OH GOD, AND THAT NEW SINGLE, MAKE IT STOP” realness), Jessie J, plus a performance or two by Jessie J–the super group that the entire world was waiting for took to the stage: Tinie Tempah, Taio Cruz, and Jessie J.
No. Ha! Just kidding, that was completely insufferable. A few more minutes later, and the real super group finally arrived: The (re-)return of the Spice Girls. And all of a sudden, every single person’s life was spiced up all over again.
As promised from the rehearsal photos, the girls–well, women–hopped out of their custom-lit black taxis to perform the two biggest hits of their career: “Wannabe” and “Spice Up Your Life.”
First of all, how stunning did they look? Genuinely, they’re all still in top pop star form. The fashion was a perfect 2012 upgrade to their 1996 style: Emma sizzled in pink, Mel C was belting her butt off in a swishy white thing, and Mel B was lookin’ bangin in sparkles–those boobies might as well be considered members #6 and #7! And how cute was GERI? She was flailing around like a 5-year-old the entire time! (Some things never change.)
And of course, the ever-icy, ever-ferocious Mizz Posh. My favorite, forever. Dancing? Please. That’s for poor people.
The slight tweaks to the music were excellent as well (a little dubstep-ish break in “Wannabe” toward the end!), but most importantly: The sheer JOY of it all! All smiles, all celebration, all girl power. It was pure nostalgia overland, and a reminder of what POP is truly about. You know…fun.
And yes, the performance was far too short. It figures: In true Spice Girls style–whether at the height of their career nearly two decades ago or right in the middle of their reunion tour four years ago–they went out while they were still on top.
There are few truly flaw-free acts in pop music (when I say “flaw-free,” I’m speaking in the completely non-ironic, genuine sense, as opposed to the completely ironic Heidi Montag sense), but the Spice Girls are one of them. I can’t help but get a bit gushy about all this…there might have been a tear or two welling up during the performance! It was simply that amazing.
Even if this really is the last time they ever perform together (stop right now, thank you very much, Posh), the fact they’ve regrouped for one last time as the headlining act of the closing ceremony of the Olympics in London? It doesn’t get more perfect than that, really.
Geri, Mel B, Emma, Mel C, Victoria…thank you. We love you.
SPICE GIRLS FOREVER.
GIFs courtesy of the amazing Mr. T. Kyle at RealityTVGIFs.
PEOPLE OF THE WORLD: SIT THE FUCK DOWN, SHUT THE FUCK UP AND SPICE UP YOUR LIFE.
Looking to add a little spice to your life this Olympics season? What? No, I’ve seen all the Tom Daley GIFs. I know. No, I know. Amazing. I mean SPICE. WHAT? YES!
After weeks of speculation and poorly concealed rumors, it appears that the Spice Girls are all systems go to close out the Olympic Ceremonies in London on August 12. Earlier this morning, UK Sunday Mirror columnist Dean Piper tweeted the following:
So the Spice Girls are all together rehearsing for the Olympics RIGHT NOW in London. #itsonbitches Pretty bloody exciting! #spicegirls I’d like a Spice medley!!! No idea what they’re singing….
And just to add some glitter-laced fuel to the fire, Queen Posh Spice–née Victoria Beckham-tweeted a rather titillating photo of a sparkly, Return Of The Spice Girls Tour-esque microphone, noting “Look what I found!! X vb.”
The question now: What will they perform? “Wannabe” and “Spice Up Your Life,” surely–BUT WHAT ABOUT “MAMA”?
Only one thing’s certain…
STOP YOUR ENTIRE LIFE RIGHT NOW, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I NEED SOMEBODY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH SO SIT THE FUCK DOWN.
I remember it well: Summer camp, 1997. Two boys, face-to-face, staring intensely into each other’s eyes. A crowd encircled us quickly as he spoke the first words: “So, here’s the story from A to Z…” It was a rap battle, deep in the woods behind the YMCA. The verse in question? The breakdown of “Wannabe” by The Spice Girls. I won, obviously (he got caught up on the “Easy V doesn’t come for free” bit), but the point is this–well, there are two points. One: That sweet, precious moment of victory was the only time I was considered the cool kid at camp. Two: “Wannabe” changes lives.
One year prior, the Spice Girls released “Wannabe,” one of the most important, influential pop records of the past century. The song effectively launched a revolution in pop culture, resulting in a flurry of girl power, platform heels, Union Jack mini-dresses and bubblegum pop in the late ’90′s–all wrapped around a semi-questionable notion that a suitor must “get with” your friends before trying anything. It also brought the term zig-a-zig-HA to the public consciousness.
Today, the Girls–nay, Women of Spice have reunited on the very same steps of the London hotel where the video for “Wannabe” was filmed sixteen years ago (you’re old–it’s true!) to announce the premiere of their upcoming musical, Viva Forever. This is what we in the industry like to refer to as A LEGENDARY POP MOMENT.
According to some of the privileged attendees at the launch, the show will not only include the signature Spice hits, but also subtle Spice inclusions that ought to have hardcore fans drooling, including a mash-up of “Goodbye” and “Mama,” Spice World‘s “Do It,” Forever‘s “Right Back Atcha,” Geri‘s “Look At Me” and Mel C‘s “I Turn To You.” (Whether or not “Move Over” has made the cut remains TBD–fingers and toes crossed.)
For more on the show, check out the newly launched official website.
And let it just be said now: The ladies are looking fine, sexy and glamorous. Still iconic, sixteen years and counting.
Viva Forever opens on November 27 at Piccadilly Theater in London and was produced by Judy Craymer (Mamma Mia!) and written by AbFab‘s Jennifer Saunders.
It’s been over twelve years (dear God, we’re old) since Melanie C first released her legendary trance anthem, “I Turn To You.” Now, Sporty’s about to get dance-y all over again.
The talented Spice Girls chanteuse has teamed up with London DJ/producer/Queen of Clubs Jodie Harsh to release The Night on May 13, a 3-track EP of club-pop grooves.
I happened to get a bit of an Excluusive first listen a while ago, and I can confirm that it’s quite the lil’ corker of a collection: “Set You Free” was an instant favorite with its Ibiza-lite chorus (“Let the music set you free!”) and dub-y verses, while “Walk Away” is a sad, sparkling electro-ballad that floats atop a tripping beat. “As I walk away, a change in atmosphere/There’s nothing left to say, the skies begin to clear,” she sings.
Below is a 30-second teaser of “Sunrise,” which is a pretty solid indication overall of what’s to come. Pound the alarm!
The Night EP will be released on May 13. (iTunes)
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