© Getty Images

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. 

© Getty Images

Answering the call -

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

© Getty Images

Girl power -

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

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

'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.

© Getty Images

'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.

© Getty Images

'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.'

© Getty Images

'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.' 

© Getty Images

'Spiceworld' (1997) -

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

© Getty Images

Billboard charts -

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

© Getty Images

A book release -

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

© Getty Images

A book release -

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

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

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. 

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

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.'

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

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. She has now also established herself as a DJ. 

© Getty Images

Then: Emma Bunton -

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

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

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. 

© Getty Images

Now: Victoria Beckham -

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

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

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. 

© Getty Images

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.

© Getty Images

Viva Forever! -

On April 17, 2024, Victoria Beckham turned 50 and, for the first time in a long time, fans got to see all five Spice Girls reunite for her big birthday bash. The group even sang ‘Stop’ for her star-studded guest list. A whole 30 years on and the girl power is still going strong!

© Getty Images