Mel C at Evening Standard Theatre Awards

Spice Girl singer Melanie C attended the Evening Standard Theatre Awards on 28th November.

Source : Spice Girls Forever Italy

Melanie C Supports Local Cancer Charity

Mel C blended her own loose leaf tea at Brew Tea Bar, Bold Street, yesterday as part of North West Cancer Research Fund’s (NWCRF) project, CelebriTEA, which asks well-known personalities to create a tea which will be sold to raise money and awareness for the charity.

Melanie C, who is currently a ppearing at the Empire theatre in Blood Brothers, said: “I’ve always been involved in charity work, but it’s hard to find timefor everybody.

“I’ve lost some people very close to me through cancer, so I like to help charities that are really important to me. I’m a big tea drinker, and I’m really interested in the health benefits, which makes this such a good cause to support”

Source : Zigazig Ha

Mel C to Play BloodBrothers on Liverpool Empire Stage

Hardened theatre critics gave her a standing ovation when she wowed them in the West End, and now Melanie C is on her way to Liverpool to reprise her stellar performance in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers.

Once she can find her script that is. “I’d put it in that, you know that safe place we always put things in and can never find them?” admits the 36-year-old. “You know you’ve always got one of those drawers, one of those cupboards, in the kitchen with odd things in.Well, it was in there and happily I’ve found it.”

Phew. The show can go on. It’s six months since Melanie last wriggled into the pinny of Mrs Johnstone, stage musicals’ most famous charlady, but she says returning to the part to bring it to Liverpool was a no-brainer.

She explains: “It was coming towards the end of my run in the West End and I had a meeting with one of the executive producers, and he just said, ‘well, we have an opportunity to go to Liverpool in November and we wondered if you’d like to come along?’ And I just jumped at the chance. In fact I’d secretly been hoping they were going to ask.”

She adds: “The Liverpool shows are legendary. It’s just such an honour to be able to play Mrs Johnstone in Liverpool.”

When she arrives with the cast next week it won’t be the first time the Whiston-born singing star has stood on the Empire stage however.

She recalls an early appearance hot-hoofing it in a charity gala as the young Melanie Chisholm.

Read More : Liverpool Echo

JLS want to work with the Spice Girls

In a life-imitating-art sort of way, JLS want to make 2 Become 1 with the Spice Girls.

The record, that is. Oritse, 22, asked Emma Bunton, if the girls would be up for it on her Heart 106.2 show.

Marvin added: "It would be a boyhood dream come true." Emma said she'll ask the Spices. But she better hurry - when the boys release Love You More, they'll have to join the queue...

Source : The Mirror

Melanie nominated for Evening Standard Theatre Award

As she rehearses for a return to the role of Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, Melanie has received the exciting news that she has been nominated for an Evening Standard Theatre Award for her portrayal as the character at the Phoenix Theatre.

Adding to her Laurence Olivier nomination earlier this year, The Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer, once again highlights Melanie’s impressive stage debut which won critical acclaim.

The shortlists will be published a week before the awards, where winners will be announced at the Savoy in London on November 28.

Source : MelanieC.net

Melanie C at the Voice Storm Charity

Melanie Chisholm aka Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls at the Voice Storm charity concert in aid of Body & Soul, raising awareness of HIV and celebrating the life of the late Anita Roddick - arrivals. London, England (October 20, 2010).

Source : Contact Music

Mel C opens up on affair with Robbie Williams

Ex Spice Girl Girl Melanie C spilled the beans on her affair with superstar Robbie Williams and revealed: It was nothing to write home about.

The pop pair had a month-long fling in the late 1990's when both were at the height of their fame. Now former Sporty Spice Mel has set the record straight about Robbie's famous boast that he slept with four of the five Spice Girls.

She made it clear he did not rock her world and jokingly suggested the married Angels star might be more interested in men.

Mel, 36, was talking to an audience of gay fans at a pub in South London, where she was joined by her long-time boyfriend, property developer Thomas Starr.

She said of Robbie, also 36: It was such a long time ago, a decade ago and it was really nothing to write home about.

And the singer had the audience in hysterics after camp comedian Scott Capurro told her that he would like Robbie to perform a sex act on him. She quipped: "Yes, I think he would be better doing that".

Mel also put paid to rumours that she is to marry Thomas, the father of their daughter Scarlett, one. The pair have been together since 2002 after meeting on holiday in Barbados. But she said she was scarred for life by her parents break-up when she was just two and the experience has put her off matrimony.

The singer, from Whiston, Merseyside, said: I have a complicated family, with half-brothers and half-sisters. My parents divorced when I was very young and marriage is a weird one for me. Both my parents remarried but I was scarred very early on. Marriage does not appeal.

Mel, now a West End star in the musical Blood Brothers, has no yearnings to rejoin the Spice Girls. She said the band finally broke up following their reunion tour two years ago because of a clash between the girls.

She said: We talk about booking the stadium dates and getting back together when we meet up for dinner. But when we sober up, we realise its a bad idea.

We were exhausted. Some of the girls will admit they had breakdowns of sorts. A lot of the frustration was on the performance side. Some of the girls did not take things as seriously as I did.

But despite the fall out, Mel C says she still remains close to the girls and to Victoria Beckham. Asked why Victoria looks constantly glum in photos, Mel replied: Its her protection, don't you think? She is more comfortable presenting herself like that. She may feel more vulnerable if shes smiling. I have always got on well with her but we are extreme opposites. She has done very well to break into the fashion business after being in a pop band and I have a lot of respect for her.

All the girls are now looking forward to the release of a musical based on The Spice Girls in 2012, which is being written by Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders.

SEXUAL

But Mel has no desire to go into reality TV unlike Emma Bunton, who has starred in Strictly Come Dancing, or Mel B, who appeared in Dancing With The Stars in the US two years ago.

She said: I have been asked to do Strictly about 15 times but I would not want to put myself through it. The rehearsals are stupid amounts of hours.

Now focusing on the release of her new album, Mel is watching today's stars with interest including X Factor judge Cheryl Cole. She said: When our band started we thought we were sexual but today's bands are humping the floor.

I met Cheryl a long time ago. At my age, when you meet bands of today, they are all fans and they are very sweet. Cheryl is incredibly beautiful, has a cute regional accent and ticks all the boxes. Her style of music is not one I am into.

Mel also raised the Girls Aloud singers assault on a nightclub worker in 2003.

She comes across great on X Factor but I was working with someone the other day I wont tell you who who said, Has everyone forgotten she beat up a black woman in a toilet? But we shouldn't slag off people who become successful. It's just jealously.

Melanie C is Busy Busy Busy

Phew! Where does the time go?! It feels like my feet haven't touched the ground for the last six weeks or so.

I've been busy working with Unicef and the Pampers Big Kiss campaign to raise funds for tetanus vaccines - such an important cause. I've also enjoyed lending my voice to the CBBC series 'The Big Performance'. It's so uplifting to see how music can enrich young peoples' lives and bring them the confidence they are looking for.

Of course, I've spent most of it writing lots of great songs for the new (fifth!) album. I'm so excited about it! We've got some amazing tracks already and still have sessions booked in with some fantastic writers over the next couple of months. It's gonna blow you away!

Looking forward to this week's Voicestorm show to raise money for children, young people and families living with HIV, it is going to be really special. I'm going to be trying out some very different arrangements of a few old favourites and a couple of covers. It's going to be a challenge but it'll be worth it. And I get to watch Annie Lennox too! Then, the following night, I can let my hair down with Scott Capurro at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Nervous? Me?!

And then, before I know it, it'll be back to Blood Brothers in Liverpool for two weeks. I never thought the idea of being Mrs J again would seem like a rest!

Hope to see some of you there.Mx

Source : Melanie C Official

Dean Piper Interviews Melanie C

Hello Melanie – not spoken to you for a while! How goes it?

I feel like I’m in your life a lot. Because I follow you on twitter. I was so reluctant to tweet but then when I started doing it I got into it and thought it was fun and now I’m bored of it!

I think I’ll get into it when I’ve got something to say. At the moment I’m really getting my head down and I’m working on writing and recording. When I’m travelling and doing my promo I’ll have more to talk about. When I’m in promo I’ll have far more time. Sitting in the back of cars and all that shit.

Who do you love following most?

I’m enjoying following Mel B – she’s mad and bonkers and what’s really nice about twitter is it’s bringing us Spice Girls together more. Not as often as we like. Twitter is essentially keeping us in touch. Victoria doesn’t tweet that much, Emma goes through her phases and Melanie is always tweeting. It’s kinda like you’re still in each other’s lives.

Mel B has turned into Sporty Spice these days with all her exercising! It’s like a role reversal!

Are you saying I’m Scary Spice now? She’s pretty hardcore. The thing is with Mel is she’s always had a great physique but she’s never been into the gym. Since she’s been in LA the lifestyle and the health aspect seems to have gotten her into her exercise. All the lovely weather works wonders for you.

You’re appearing at Body and Soul’s Voicestorm Concert – tell me about it. It’s been a while since you performed solo stuff!

I did a brief appearance at the Jazz Festival up north recently but it was low key. But for me I’m so excited to be doing this gig for such a fantastic charity. In memory of Anita Roddick – it’s something amazing to be able to celebrate her life and raise money for the charity too. It’s also going to be amazing to play the Roundhouse – I’ve never played there before. It’s an incredible venue and Annie Lennox is headlining. Such a lovely lady. I’ve loved her music for a long time. She’s eloquent and lovely and one of those legends that in her presence you feel very comfortable.

And what will we be performing?

I’m going to sing some Melanie C songs and some covers. I’m working on a new pop record, as you all know. And I’ve also been recording some musical theatre songs too. I’m not sure whether they’;ll end up being released yet. I went to performing art college and after appearing in Blood Brothers it seemed like a very good opportunity to get some of my favourite songs together.

For the show I’m going to do I Ain’t Got No from Hair and I’m also covering Dusty Springfield’s I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself. I’m quite nervous about it all because it’s not my usual stuff. I’ll also do some of my hits. I’m going to bring on a guest to do When You’re Gone – James Walsh from Starsailor. He’s a really really lovely guy with a fantastic voice.

And how is the work on the fifth Melanie Chisholm solo record going so far?

I’m just being really adventurous. There’s ideas for rocky stuff, dance stuff, more acoustic stuff and at the moment I’m working with loads of new people and writing loads of songs. I need to see how it all goes and find out what kind of album I want to make. I think eclectic is the style right now. A bit of everything. That’s actually how Northern Star began so it would be nice to recapture that feeling of lots of styles but coming together. There are no collaborations so far but it’s very early days. I’m in the writing stages now. I’m hoping for a single around summer time and an album around Autumn. I want it to be the best album of my career and it’ll be on Red Girl again.

How’s motherhood now – Scarlet’s 19-months old and it has gone so quick!

Scarlet’s incredible. It’s gone very quick. She’s walking, she’s saying a lot and she’s a proper little character. She’s started singing too – so that is very good fun.

Are you watching this years X Factor?

I am indeed. Saturday night was the first night I saw everyone perform. I always liked Katie – I think she’s really interesting. I wasn’t sure how she actually ended up in the bottom two. She seems to have taken a lot of stick.

The good thing about music right now with artists like Lady Gaga is that the pop world is being more creative visually. I think if things look genuine and sincere with Katie then it will work.

I love Cher Lloyd too. To me I think she has the X Factor. Her vocals were a little bit shaky but hey she’s so young. The nerves must be so intense and to get up on the hugest platform on British TV to perform is a big deal. So much of it is charisma. For me Cher Lloyd has that charisma and I think she’ll go far. My favourite performance of the night was Aiden performing Mad World last week. It was so believable and genuine.

Would you have gone on a show like that?

I’m sure I would have gone on a show like that. I auditioned for a girl band at 13 first of all. I would have gone on the X Factor. I think it’s good that people have a good idea of what these shows are nowadays. I used to be quite negative about these shows but I’ve changed my mind. Now people know what they are in for. There are no shocks.

Do you think the Spice Girls could ever be emulated successfully nowadays?

I’m not sure – we were of a moment. There are so many girl bands in development right now. I went along to see one recently. They’re called Parade. There manager is John Giddings. They are cute, there’s five of them and they have a great energy. They are based on the Spice Girls and Gwen Stefani. They’ve got more attitude and they’re not all glamour. They can sing and dance. But they’ve got a personality.

How is everything coming along for the Spice Girls musical too?

It’s all in development right now. We’ve seen the storylines, the characters, the songs that are going to be used. We know where it’s at at the moment and we’re so excited to have Jennifer Saunders on board. She’s an incredible writer and we have history with her from Spiceworld so we trust her ideas.

In the new year we’ll be looking at work shopping and casting. I think at this stage Jennifer and Judy are working hard on the storylines and we feel those ladies are well within their rights to get on with that.

When it comes to the music we’ll be a lot more involved. A lot of the people that we worked with originally – like Richard Stannard – will be involved creatively. And Judy wants to keep us involved all along the way. We’re not going to be there as creative directors but we’re definitely going to be there in the auditioning process in the different roles. We just can’t wait for our songs to be performed on stage every night of the week. All five of us want it to be fantastic and for those songs to live on.

And what about the idea of one final ‘hurrah’ of the Spice Girls – performing at the Olympics ceremony in 2012?

We don’t know anything about it as yet but I’m up for it. It’s a wonderful idea and I think all five of us would be very proud indeed. Let’s petition for it and make it happen.

Source : Dean Piper

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Mel B: 'Spice Girls are my true love'

Mel B has reportedly revealed that her former Spice Girl bandmates are still her "best friends".

She admitted that Geri Halliwell, Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton and Mel Chisholm are the "loves of her life" and that she enjoyed touring with them in 2007.

She told the Daily Mail: "I've had affairs with all the Spice Girls as far as I'm concerned - they're the loves of my life. We are always in touch with each other. We're supportive of each other because we've known each other a long time. When we were younger, it was five girls who had our periods together, so we screamed at each other, but we all made up afterwards."

The 35-year-old said that their reunion was a lot different to when they first started out in 1994.

She explained: "The first time we did it, it was sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, and the last time it was all nappies and dummies. But I got to travel the world with my four best friends. What could be any better than that?"

Speaking about new Spice Girls musical Viva Forever, Mel B added: "I don't know yet if it's going to be based on our real stories or a fabricated story. We've talked about 20,000 different storylines, but it's down to five and we'll all have to agree. There are no plans for a movie yet, but that would be great."

Source : Digital Spy

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Mel C : CBBC's 'The Big Performance'

Melanie has provided the voice over for the exciting new CBBC series ‘The Big Performance’, which sees one lucky group of 10 novice singers get the chance of a lifetime to perform in front of 40,000 people at Proms in the Park.

Choirmaster Gareth Malone from the BAFTA award winning BBC2 series ‘The Choir’, has put together a group of five boys and five girls from all over the country who all love to sing but have no previous singing experience and are absolutely terrified of performing in public.

Over 12 episodes we see their journey through challenges in training, singing musical styles and performing in front of the likes of The Wanted, Craig David and Chris Evans live on his Radio 2 breakfast show.

There will also be one solo part up for grabs for the final big performance.

You can watch episode 1 now on the BBC iPlayer and all future episodes on Tuesdays at 17.45 on the CBBC channel, with a repeat on Saturdays at 11.30 on BBC2.

Source : Melanie C Official

Ohh Melanie C !

To celebrate Coronation Street's golden anniversary this year, Typhoo are asking avid fans and tea drinkers to recreate the famous theme tune using only 'oos' - and Melanie has joined in on the fun!

Head over to www.typhooalong.co.uk/celebrity-oo-ers.html too see a t-oo-nful Miss C perfecting her 'oo' pout and showing you how it's done. By uploading her video, Typhoo have donated £100 to The English Federation of Disability Sport and will continue to do so for every celebrity that posts their 'oos'.

Thanky-oo!

Source : Melanie C Official

Mel Supporting Pampers Unicef Campaign

Melanie C also known as Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls supports the Pampers and Unicef campaign to try to eliminate newborn tetanus. Below is the video of Melanie C supporting Pampers and Unicef Campaign.

Video : Viva Spice Girls

Scott Capurro's Position - Royal Vauxhall Tavern

Melanie C will be a guest on this fun and informal live chat show, hosted by well-known American stand-up Scott Capurro on Thursday 21st October at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London.

The format is straight-forward - Jonathan Ross or Graham Norton-esque - but live and not broadcast anywhere so there are no limits!

Previous guests include: Vivienne Westwood, Boy George, Ken Livingstone, Graham Norton, Claudia Winkleman, Matt Lucas, Nancy Del Olio, Phil Jupitus, Heather Small and Jimmy Carr, to name a few.

A great opportunity to connect with an enthusiastic audience in an intimate atmosphere, the intervews often consist of views on fame, showbusiness and a host of other issues.

Tickets for this unique evening can be bought from www.ticketweb.co.uk. Huge thanks to the one who created the amazing Melanie C Reborn fanmade CD, I just saw it on Melanie C forums. Who ever you are, you did a very great job.

Source : Melanie C Official / Official Forums

Mel C to Appear at Voicestorm Benefit Concert

Melanie will be appearing at the Voicestorm concert for the Body and Soul charity in London next month!

Joining an impressive all female line-up which includes Annie Lennox, Lauren Pritchard and Alice Russell, the gig will be raising money and awareness of the work by Body and Soul.

Established in 1996, the pioneering charity provides support to children, young people and families with or closely affected by HIV.

The concert takes place at The Roundhouse in London on Wednesday 20th October at 7pm. Please note Melanie will be performing 3 - 4 songs maximum.

For more information on the charity visit www.bodyandsoulcharity.org and to purchase your tickets buy direct from www.roundhouse.org.uk search Voicestorm.

14+ - under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.

Source : Melanie C Official

Jennifer Saunders : 'Spice Is Nice'

Jennifer Saunders is collaborating with Mamma Mia! mastermind Judy Craymer on a musical featuring the songs of the Spice Girls, and the storyline will shine a spotlight on the tawdry side of ’search-fora-star’ TV shows.

Ms Craymer was cautious to emphasise that the show-withinthe-show will be fictional.

Spice Girls Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Chisholm and Victoria Beckham have given the project their blessing, and are in touch with Craymer and Saunders.

The producer, who controls a multi-million-pound empire that oversees every aspect of stage and movie versions of Mamma Mia!, told me that the Spice Girls production, Viva Forever, will be a contemporary tale about a group of young women, with particular focus on one girl and her mum.

She explained that although Viva Forever will encompass the Spice Girls ethos of friendship, identity and being true to yourself, it won’t be a tribute or bio show, nor will it feature characters with any of the names of the famous five-piece.

That said, essences of the Spice Girls’ personalities will be spinkled onto various characters. ‘It has a glimpse of the underbelly of TV talent shows, an invented show, and a little bit of comedy romance,’ Ms Craymer explained.

‘We live in a world dominated by people wanting to be famous. What they (the Spice Girls) did was before those shows became really what they are, and before the world become slightly obsessed by such shows.’

Ms Saunders, who co-wrote Absolutely Fabulous and many of the French and Saunders sketches, was initially worried about whether she’d get the gig writing the book for the musical.

She and French did a hilarious Mamma Mia! movie spoof for last year’s Comic Relief. ‘She didn’t think I’d see her,’ Ms Craymer said.

But Saunders’s daughters were insistent she get the job. ‘I really didn’t want anyone else to write this musical. The Spice Girls were such a great part of my daughters’ growing-up and I wanted to make sure that this didn’t disappoint.’

Saunders joked that she was now ’superglued’ to the project. ‘I hope they all realise that!’

Craymer was cheered that Saunders was very much onboard and explained how the actress-writer had an insight into the songs associated with the Spice Girls, about 20 of which will be used in the show, which is set to open in 2012, hopefully before the Olympics. ‘I’m relying on her to be funny. Banking on it,’ Craymer told me.

As the two women conceive the show’s structure, more members of the creative team will join the production. A director will be contracted by early next year.

No theatre has been set, but I have heard rumours that Viva Forever might go to the Prince Edward, should it become available. At the moment, the brilliant Jersey Boys is still packing them in.

Source : Daily Mail

A Message From Melanie C

Hold on to your knickers girls! I’ve finally got the Twitter bug, who knew random nonsense could be so much fun. I’ll do my best to stay enthused!

Well I’ve been a busy bee of late, writing sessions for the new album are going great. I’m working with lots of great people, some old faves and plenty of new collaborators, it’s all very exciting.

I’m starting to get quite nervous about my return to Blood Brothers too,where is that script?

Hope you’re all enjoying your summer, see you all soon

Mx

Source : Melanie C Official

Melanie C's 'Your Mistake' Remix Competition

Exactly 10 years ago, Melanie released her number 1 single 'I Turn to You'. Remixed by Hex Hector, the track filled dance floors all over the world. To celebrate this anniversary, we're now giving you the chance to show us your DJ skills by remixing the 'This Time' track 'Your Mistake'!

So if you think you could be the next Hex Hector, head over to this special page to read all about our new competition and to download exclusive tracks from the recording of 'Your Mistake'.

Source : Melanie C Official

The Most Successful Female Acts in America

According to RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), these are the most successful female artists in American history — based on the tally of their album sales.

01 . Barbra Streisand - American singer, actress, director and songwriter.

02 . Madonna - American recording artist, actress and entrepreneur.

03 . Mariah Carey - American  singer, songwriter, record producer and actress.

04 . Whitney Houston - American singer, actress, and former fashion model.

05 . Celine Dion - Canadian singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur.

06 . Shania Twain - Canadian country pop singer and songwriter.

07 . Reba McEntire - American country music artist.

08 . Britney Spears - American recording artist and entertainer.

09 . Dixie Chicks - American country music group.

10 . Linda Ronstadt - American popular music singer.

42 . Spice Girls - British pop girl group formed in 1994.

Source : Sick Pop

Mel C Spices Up Edinburgh Music Festival

She has always been regarded as the 'best singer' of the Spice Girls, but that hasn't prevented Mel C from causing controversy over her inclusion in the Edinburgh Jazz Festival.

The 36-year-old performed with her friend Peter Vettesse last night during his set. Wearing a black and white dress from Whistles, Mel looked as though she was enjoying being back onstage, belting out songs while Peter accompanied her on the piano.

The Jethro Tull musician defended his decision to invite her along earlier this week.

He told BBC Scotland that he 'couldn't care less' about the backlash: 'There will be jazz aficionados that think it is sacrilege for someone from Mel C's background to be performing at the jazz festival,' he said.

'But I couldn't care less about what they may or may not say. I am interested in being able to give the opportunity to play for those who might not accept someone from Mel C's background.'

The pair collaborated on Melanie's 2007 album This Time, and Peter, 53, encouraged the Edinburgh audience to keep an open mind: 'What Melanie does is done seriously and how seriously one takes her is the responsibility of the one who is listening. Her voice is instantly recognisable, she is a great singer and a delightful individual.'

Mel, who gave birth to daughter Scarlet last year, is currently working on her new album after an Olivier award-winning spell on the West End in the musical Blood Brothers, and is involved in the Spice Girls musical.

'We've just been looking at some drafts of storylines,' she told the Sun newspaper last month.

'It's early stages but we're all involved with it. We wanted to be there for the writers to get a feel of the chemistry between the Spice Girls.'

But as in creator Judy Craymer's other musical, Mamma Mia, the storyline won't involve the actual band members. 'It's not actually the story of the Spice Girls,' Mel C revealed. 'It's a fictional story.'

Source : Daily Mail Photos : Zigazig Ha