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Answering the call -

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. 

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Answering the call -

Chosen from the hundreds of women who auditioned, the group dropped their original manager before signing to Virgin Records in 1995.

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Girl power -

Their breakaway from management was the first stirrings of the "Girl Power" principle that would be a cornerstone of their messaging.

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Girl power -

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.

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Top of the Pops -

A Top of the Pops magazine article that came out around the same time anointed them Ginger, Scary, Posh, Baby, and Sporty.

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'Wannabe' -

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.

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'Spice' (1996) -

The band's debut album 'Spice' was released the following year. It would sell 19 million copies worldwide in its first year alone.

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'Spice' (1996) -

The album produced three more number-one singles: 'Say You'll Be There,' '2 Become 1,' and 'Who Do You Think You Are'/'Mama.'

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'Spiceworld' (1997) -

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.' 

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'Spiceworld' (1997) -

Both 'Spice' and 'Spiceworld' had plenty of upbeat dance tracks and espoused a message of female empowerment.

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Billboard charts -

In 1997, the girls made their US debut, taking over the Billboard album and singles charts.

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A book release -

They released their first book 'Girl Power!' the same year, which featured photographs, lyrics, and biographical snippets.

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A book release -

The book sold out of its initial print run in a day, eventually being translated into 20 different languages.

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The silver screen -

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.

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A backlash -

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.

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Then: Geri Halliwell -

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. 

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Now: Geri Horner -

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.

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Then: Mel B -

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.'

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Now: Mel B -

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.

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Then: Mel C -

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.

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Now: Melanie C -

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.

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Then: Emma Bunton -

The youngest member of the group, Emma Bunton aka Baby Spice, released several singles and two albums as a solo artist.

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Now: Emma Bunton -

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.

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Then: Victoria Adams -

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. 

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Now: Victoria Beckham -

Victoria launched her eponymous fashion label in 2008 following earlier forays into the sartorial world. She has four children.

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2012 London Summer Olympic Games -

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.

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2012 London Summer Olympic Games -

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. 

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2019 Reunion Tour -

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.

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Viva Forever! -

Although the girls ultimately went their separate ways for many years, a reunion is rumored for 2024. Regardless, their impact on pop culture and the effect of girl power will viva forever! 

Sources: (Britannica) (People) (Billboard) 

See also: 30 greatest girl groups of all time

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