We Really Want the Spice Girls

From Olympics to New Musical, We Really Want the Spice Girls

About 75 million TV viewers watched Michael Phelps become the most decorated Olympian in history at the London 2012 Games. Twice as many tuned in to see Usain Bolt clinch his second 100-meter gold. Impressive — until you realize the Spice Girls' closing ceremony performance drew an audience of 300 million worldwide and generated 50 percent more tweets than any other event at the Summer Olympics.

The Spice Girls are not just the best-selling female pop group of all time (with the biggest-selling album, "Spice"). They are British icons whose popularity shows no sign of diminishing, even a decade after they recorded their last songs together.

It's been 16 years since they reached No. 1 in 30 countries with their debut single "Wannabe," but the Spice Girls are still some of the hottest celebrities around. Mel C (Sporty Spice) is about to star in a revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar." Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) has a headline-grabbing relationship with comic Russell Brand. Mel B (Scary Spice) is a judge on "The X Factor" in Australia and the UK, while Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) will sing a duet with Mel C on a new studio album. Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) has a successful fashion line, as well as the world's most famous soccer player, to keep her busy.

But for die-hard fans of Girl Power, the most exciting recent news is that Spice Girls music will form the soundtrack to a brand-new musical at the Piccadilly Theatre in London's West End this December. "Viva Forever" tells the story of a girl whose dreams of superstardom come true overnight and how her celebrity affects her relationship with her mother and friends. It bills itself as "a wonderfully joyous contemporary musical about the value of friendship in the face of fame and fortune!"

British comedian Jennifer Saunders is writing "Viva Forever," which is produced by Judy Craymer ("Mamma Mia!"), both shown here with the Spice Girls at a recent launch event. Even months before its opening night, "Viva Forever" is already being talked about as a possible Hollywood movie.

After Halliwell left the Spice Girls in 1998, amid rumors of behind-the-scenes fights, the rest of the group slowly drifted apart, finally splitting in 2000. The closing ceremony's super-spiciness has led to inevitable speculation that the Spice Girls are about to re-form — for the second time.

In 2007, all five original members reunited for a world tour whose first London date sold out in just 38 seconds. The reunion lasted slightly longer than that, making it into early 2008 before the Spice Girls again called it a day, canceling their final six concerts.

But while their surprise Olympic performance surrounded by London taxis and Union Jack flags excited fans about the possible return of Cool Britannia's favorite pop stars, the Girls have been quick to point out that the event was strictly a one-off. Victoria Beckham apparently insisted this would be the Spice Girls' final show together, and on the night of the closing ceremony, Mel B is reported to have said, "This is it, girls, the last time — enjoy it."

Perhaps it's for the best. After all, before the musical's announcement, the biggest Spice Girls event over the last few years wasn't a sold-out secret concert or a chart-busting single but an exhibition last year of "historic" Spice Girls memorabilia at a venue that doesn't exactly shout "Girl Power":Leeds City Museum. Next stop, the Antiques Roadshow?

Elbow, Spice Girls, Jessie J to return to the Top 10

Elbow, Spice Girls, Jessie J to return to the Top 10 after Olympics closing ceremony

Elbow, The Spice Girls and Jessie J all look set to return to the UK Top 10 this Sunday (August 19) after their performances at the Olympics closing ceremony.

Elbow's 'The Seldom Seen Kid' is set to climb 134 places to Number Five after they performed hit single 'One Day Like This' at Sunday's (August 12) closing ceremony, while The Spice Girls' 'Best Of' is set to rise to Number Nine. Jessie J is also likely to be back in the Top 10 with 'Who You Are' at Number Eight.

Emeli Sande, who also sang at the Olympics closing ceremony, is also set for a boost, with her album 'Our Version Of Events' set to take the Number One spot from Rihanna, whose 'Talk That Talk' is set to drop to Number 10, reports the Official Charts Company.

Spector are currently at Number Three in the midweek chart with their debut album 'Enjoy It While It Lasts', which is just behind Paloma Faith and ahead of Ed Sheeran's '+'.

Elsewhere, Sheffield metallers While She Sleeps and Bedford punks Don Broco are set to chart at Number 13 and 14 respectively with their new albums, with Yellowcard in at Number 38 with 'Southern Air'.

In the singles race, Rita Ora looks set to take the top spot with her new single 'How We Do (Party)', with Wiley down to Number Two with 'Heatwave'.

The Olympics opening and closing ceremonies are set to be a huge influence on the Top 40 this weekend, with Emeli Sande set to chart at Number Three with her new track 'Read All About It Pt.3', Elbow at Number Four with 'One Day Like This', Kate Bush's new remix of 'Running Up Tha Hill' at Number Five and George Michael's 'White Light' at Number Eight.

Oasis are set to re-enter at Number 28 with 'Wonderwall', while The Kinks are at Number 39 with 'Waterloo Sunset' and The Who at Number 40 with 'Baba O'Reilly'. Ed Sheeran's cover of Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' is also set to chart at Number 38.

Overall, 78 tracks, 41 from the closing ceremony, 12 from the opening ceremony, plus a further 25 by artists who performed or were played at either event are set to enter the Official Singles Chart Top 200 on Sunday.

Victoria reveals Emma

"If it wasn’t for her, I would not have been out there": Victoria reveals Emma helped her through a serious panic attack before Olympics show 

The Olympic closing ceremony saw the Spice Girls triumphantly steal the show in front of a global TV audience of over one billion viewers.
No pressure, then.
But despite being an international superstar herself, Victoria Beckham suffered a serious panic attack minutes before taking to the stage, I can reveal.
Terrified about singing live four years after last performing with the group, the 38-year-old designer had to be comforted by Emma Bunton, aka Baby Spice.
After a rallying chat and a big hug, Posh was set to go – and nailed her performance alongside Emma, Geri Halliwell and Melanies Chisholm and Brown.
The fashionista and mum-of-four later gave an exclusive interview with the rest of the girls to Emma, for her Heart FM radio show.
In it, she praised Baby’s calming influence.
Chatting backstage, minutes before the gang left to party at George Michael’s house, Geri said: “I have to say to everyone listening, your DJ Emma looked like a goddess.”
To which Victoria replied: “And you know the other thing? I was in the taxi with Emma before we started and I nearly just got out of the car.
"I was so nervous. I felt sick and Emma was so amazing. Honestly, that’s how you know a real friend. If it wasn’t for her, I would not have been out there.”
Last night, a backstage source added: “Victoria played down the incident but she basically had a full-on panic attack and was in a complete state.
“Emma was brilliant and gave her a big hug, saying, ‘It’s all gonna be OK, you look amazing’.”
After the set, the highlight of the extravaganza, Mel B confirmed that she would be keen to once again tour with the band.
She gushed: “Can I just say, I love my girls.
“I loved them before but I love them even more now. I had so much fun.
“None of us fell over! Why don’t we set up a petition and get us back on tour?”
Not ruling it out, Victoria added: “We’ve got some amazing fans out there who have been with us from the start. This is for all of you guys.”

 

Spice Girls to wear Giles at Olympics Closing Ceremony?

Spice Girls to wear Giles at Olympics Closing Ceremony?

A series of tweets from Victoria Beckham further hint that the Spice Girls will perform at the Olympics Closing Ceremony, and that British designer Giles Deacon may be dressing them.

As you're aware, rumours are rife that pop star-turned-WAG-turned-designer Victoria Beckham will reunite with the source of her fame, the Spice Girls, to perform at the Olympics Closing Ceremony on August 12.
Beckham seems to be doing little to deny the rumours, instead fuelling them further with a series of tweets, all of which point to the Spice reunion wheels being very much in motion. Late last week she tweeted a photo of a diamanté-encrusted microphone, along with an excited "Look what I found!!!, following it up with a photograph of LOVE editor Katie Grand's pet rabbit and the caption: "Morning fitting with @gilesgilesgiles, cuddle with @kegrand bunny!! X vb"
IN PICTURES: The Spice Girls' most memorable fashion moments
So does this mean Giles Deacon is making the Spice Girls' costumes for the Closing Ceremony? Or is he just making VB's ( Geri might want to make her own frock again… )? We can't think what else Giles would be fitting Beckham for - more often than not she wears her own designs for any public appearances nowadays. Plus, it's already been hinted that VB will be outfitting Georgia May Jagger for her part in the event alongside the likes of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell thanks to a Closing Ceremony-themed shoot in the September issue of British Vogue . So, Beckham will already have her designs on show meaning she can go for someone like Giles to create a crazy stage outfit for the big performance.
The Mirror 's celebrity and entertainment columnist Dean Piper also tweeted "So the Spice Girls are all together rehearsing for the Olympics RIGHT NOW in London. #itsonbitches" at 4am last Thursday morning.
So, clandestine rehearsals, Giles fittings, bedazzled microphones - frankly, if this isn't all leading to a Spice Girls reunion we're going to be very disappointed.

Spice Girl star Melanie C so busy

Spice Girl star Melanie C so busy she has no time to reflect on love split 

FORMER Spice Girl Melanie C doesn’t have time to dwell on the end of her 10-year relationship.
In fact, it seems her obsession with work must be at least partly responsible for the breakdown of her romance with property developer Thomas Starr, which was announced this week.
She stays home, doesn’t drink much and even restricts her talking, to save wear and tear on her vocal cords.
It’s little wonder Mel confesses she can be “a bit boring” – but she is juggling making music, starring in theatre, judging telly shows and helping out with the Olympics.
And right now she’s flat out ahead of her new role as Mary Magdalene in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
She said: “I’m always very disciplined. You have to be if you are demanding a lot from yourself physically, because it’s quite tedious.
“I really need to be eating properly, getting plenty of sleep, not drinking too much alcohol, not talking too much. It’s tiring for the vocal cords.
“You need to warm up properly. It’s all textbook stuff. You have to be a bit boring, especially in productions as big as this, when people are paying good money to see you.
“You have to be at your best. You can’t take it for granted.
“I always wanted a career as a performer. I got into the music industry but you learn as young actors, dancers or singers, that discipline is a big part of your skill.”
Mel claims it’s always been difficult to juggle her work with her private life but tries to spend more time at home with three-year-old daughter Scarlet.
She said: “I’m pretty much based at home just now. It’s really tough.
“I have to say, since I had the baby, I spend a lot more time at home.
“I’m being quite strict with stuff, trying to get a good balance.
“Sometimes I have to be away in Europe but I try to make sure I’m not away too long.“
The production of Jesus Christ Superstar comes to Glasgow’s SECC on September 25. Mel has been busy in rehearsals between a reunion with the Spice Girls and securing her part as judge on the TV show Superstar seeking a lead for the play.
She said: “It’s very exciting. I can’t believe it is happening because it’s such an incredible tour to do.
“I was in Blood Brothers in Liverpool for a couple of weeks and it was my first professional acting role. I really had to apply myself but it went well and we got great reviews, which filled me with confidence to do more musical theatre.
“This is such a fantastic role and I was very lucky when Andrew asked me to play Mary Magdalene.
“With my limited experience of acting, your director is your best friend and they really help you discover the places you need to go to get into the head of the character.
“I’m looking forward to learning because it is something new.
“You’re stepping out of your comfort zone. On stage singing is where most of my experience is and I feel comfortable but when it comes to acting and having to trust people, you feel vulnerable.”
Mel has her own ways of dealing with the pressure of performing – and no wonder after her years in the industry.
Even now, she still gets moments of panic on stage – and terror before she goes on. She said: “You have to trust people, take deep breaths and be quite brave.
“You can know something inside out but when you go blank it feels like an eternity.
“You get sheer panic and it’s flight or fight. Something takes over and rescues you. It comes with experience. Adrenaline can really enhance your performance.”
Mel will be on the road with Tim Minchin, who will play Judas Iscariot and Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles, who this week handed in his notice to leave his Radio 1 Breakfast Show for the tour, after eight-and-a-half years.
Moyles will play King Herod in the production and Mel has already been giving him advice for his role and is happy to play mentor to him on the road.
She said: “I saw Chris recently. I’ve known him for a couple of years with his work in the radio and music industry.
“This is the first time he’s ever done anything like this and I know he’s quite nervous.
“Andrew would only cast somebody he thinks is perfect for the role. It’s a great role and King Herod is completely within his capabilities.
“He’s a great singer.
“I’m sure there’s never going to be a dull moment with Chris around.”

It’s been a busy time for Mel, who met up with the girls to launch The Spice Girls musical Viva Forever, based on their songs and written by Jennifer Saunders and produced by Judy Craymer, the theatrical impresario behind the success of Mamma Mia!
The musical will hit London’s Piccadilly Theatre on December 11 and will tell the story of “a beautiful, talented girl and her best friends who get swept up in the obsession of today’s TV celebrity culture”.
Mel said: “The Spice Girls musical is close to ready. It’s going along beautifully. I’m excited and it’s our baby so it’s wonderful to see it take shape, but I don’t think it would feel right to be in it.”
She also revealed that she and the Spice Girls were not asked to perform at the London Olympics ceremony, despite speculation.
Mel said: “I would love to have performed but the Spice Girls were never approached. It was a rumour that came from nowhere.
“I love sport and I’m excited about the Olympics. I have been helping to organise fundraising events leading up to the Games.
“We put on a fantastic show at the Royal Albert Hall with Kate and William in attendance, and artists such as Will Young, Gary Barlow, The Noisettes and The Feeling.
“We raised lots of money for Team GB. I just have to hound people to donate their time, service and auction prizes for funding to help our athletes along the way.
“I admire sportsmen and women and athletes. It’s such a discipline and is my second love after music and performing.
“I love physical challenge and I’m going to the gymnastics.
“I was at the football draw, which is all over the country and there are games in Glasgow.
“A lot of it is London 2012 but the Olympic Association are keen for the whole nation to be part of it.”

 

Spice Girls to reunite for West End musical

All girls band 'Spice Girls' is all set to reunite for their big West End first night.

The women behind Girl Power will all be at the world premiere of 'Viva Forever', which will open at the Piccadilly Theatre in December, well before Christmas.

'Ghost The Musical', which is currently running at the Piccadilly, will close in the autumn.

Based on the Oscar-winning movie that starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, 'Ghost' has some terrific moments but, but it seems that there are not enough such moments that can draw the kind of audiences that will keep the show running.

'Viva Forever', created by Judy Craymer, the powerhouse behind Mamma Mia!, and award-winning funny lady Jennifer Saunders, will feature around 16 numbers associated with the 'Spice Girls' line-up Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Victoria Beckham, Melanie Chisholm and Melanie Brown, respectively Ginger, Baby, Posh, Sporty and Scary, the Daily Mail reported.

Previews will begin in November. Auditions will start later this month and run into July, and Craymer and director Paul Garrington want to begin rehearsals around September.

Workshop versions of the show have already been held, enabling the creative team, which also includes top choreographer Lynne Page, designer Peter Mackintosh and orchestrator Martin Koch, to explore how to stage the show ahead of rehearsals.

Viva Forever will face stiff competition from another show, 'The Body-guard', featuring music connected with iconic singer Whitney Houston, as they will also begin performances at the Adelphi Theatre at around the same time.

Both are hot-button productions featuring songs that are already hummable and well known.

The 'Spice Girls' show has a mother and daughter story at its heart, with a television talent show as a backdrop.

Emma and Mel C apparently cried when they watched footage of the workshops; both felt it reflected the group's ethos - friendship, identity and being true to yourself - and also saw it as an astute commentary on today's obsession with celebrity.

Although, Craymer had said a few months ago that 'the show isn't about the Spice Girls directly, but it's sprinkled with their essence'.

'Viva Forever' will include hit songs 'Wannabe', 'The Lady Is A Vamp', 'Who Do You Think You Are' and 'Mamma'.

Mel B

Awkward! Mel B mortified after she's introduced as Mel C at X Factor audition

It’s probably not the first time it has happened.
But there’s little doubt that Melanie B was still left mortified after she was introduced as Mel C at the X Factor auditions.
One of the production team introduced the wrong Spice Girl to the crowds at the Manchester leg of the auditions yesterday.
He told the crowds: 'Please welcome Mel C!'

The mistaken identity meant that fans were expecting Sporty Spice to appear, instead of Melanie Brown.
One onlooker told the Daily Star: 'It was a bit awkward, everyone looked around for Mel C. The poor guy realised he'd made a mistake but Mel didn't look to pleased.'
Melanie Brown, or Scary Spice as she was known in her girl band days, didn't let the blundering production worker put her off and she took her place on the panel.

The 37-year-old has been stepping in to the vacant judge seat alongside permanent judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh.
TV bosses have failed to find a permanent boss after Dannii Minogue turned down an offer for the job.
Leona Lewis and Mel's former Spice Girl colleague Geri Halliwell have also been part of the panel during the auditions stage of the competition.

Mel has spoken out about her excitement at being part of the team in  Manchester.
She told The Sun: 'I’m so, so, so excited to be a guest judge in Manchester. Being a northern girl, I believe there’s lots of amazing talent in the north of England. I am coming to find the winner.
'I love my job as a judge on The X Factor Australia, but it will be great to sit on the panel in the UK. Britain is, and always will be, my home and first love.'
The singer also voiced her dismay because the Spice Girls were not included in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert over the long weekend and took to Twitter to voice her feelings.
She told followers: 'Makes me sooo sad spice girls wasn't part of the queens jubilee, break my heart big time, i was so up for it, watched some of it on tv, amazing!'

Spice Girls regret snubbing Queen`s Diamond Jubilee gig

London: Former musical band Spice Girls are regretting their decision to turn down the chance to perform at Queen Elizabeth II`s Diamond Jubilee Concert after watching the spectacular show on TV.
The `Wannabe` hitmakers were last year asked to appear at the show, which took place outside Buckingham Palace in London on Monday, but declined due to their heavy workloads.

But after viewing the musical extravaganza on television, singers Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown and Emma Bunton all took to Twitter to express their sadness at not being involved, reported Contactmusic.

Brown, who is currently based in Australia, wrote, "Makes me sooo (sic) sad spice girls wasn`t part of the queens (sic) jubilee, break my heart big time, i was so up for it, watched some of it on tv, amazing!"

"Bit miffed I`m not down at Buckingham Palace," said Chisholm and Bunton re-tweeted several messages from fans, including one which reads, "Ok the spice girls should have rocked this show!!"

Spice Girls

Okay, we have a confession to make. At no time during the entire four day Jubilee extravaganza did we, at any point, think "Ooh, you know what this whole shebang is missing? The Spice Girls."
They didn't even cross our minds. Not even when we were talking about spicy curry. Not even when we were wondering if Victoria and David would be invited up onto the Royal balcony.
Which is a bit embarrassing really seeing as they apparently were invited to perform and turned it down. Awkward.
Mel B tweeted on Sunday night, "Makes me sooo sad spice girls wasn't part of the queens jubilee, break my heart big time. i was so up for it, watching some of it on tv. amazing!" [sic]
Apparently they turned the opportunity down because some of the group were "too busy". Hmm...wonder who that could have been considering three members out of the five were clearly sitting at home in the jogging bottoms shouting at the television and angrily tweeting about it?
Victoria Beckham wasn't that upset about missing it as she and hubby David laid the foundations for his future knighthood by sending Her Maj a congratulatory video.         
And she even smiles in it, despite David's ridiculous moustache. (Or maybe because of David's ridiculous moustache?)   
Emma Bunton retweeted several fans who'd noticed the group's absence. (Ahem, not us then) while Mel C wrote, "Bit miffed I'm not down at Buckingham Palace."
Apparently they turned the opportunity down because some of the group were "too busy". Hmm...wonder who that could have been considering three members out of the five were clearly sitting at home in the jogging bottoms shouting at the television and angrily tweeting about it?
Victoria Beckham wasn't that upset about missing it as she and hubby David laid the foundations for his future knighthood by sending Her Maj a congratulatory video.         
And she even smiles in it, despite David's ridiculous moustache. (Or maybe because of David's ridiculous moustache?)