Melanie C has made Spice Girls history with her ninth studio album, Sweat. Entering the charts at Number 3, the record has become the highest-charting solo album of her career, surpassing the peak of her 1999 debut, Northern Star. This achievement also sets a new benchmark for the Spice Girls as a collective, outperforming the previous solo peaks of Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton. Expressing her gratitude to the Official Charts, Melanie C credited her fans for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
The lower rungs of the Top 40 remain equally competitive. Texan country star Kacey Musgraves earned her fourth Top 10 album with Middle Of Nowhere, while Tori Amos secured her highest placement in twelve years with In Times Of Dragons. Additionally, Nigerian artist Asake and global superstar Billie Eilish both secured fresh Top 40 entries, and Zara Larsson’s Midnight Sun returned to the rankings following the release of a new remix collection. This week’s results highlight a unique intersection of cinematic nostalgia and record-breaking modern po
To date, the Spice Girls have collectively released 18 solo studio albums, with half of those coming from Melanie C alone. Now unveiling her ninth studio effort, the most consistently prolific of the solo Spice catalogue seems poised to fully reclaim her identity as Sporty Spice.
Mel C to perform church gig on album launch tour and joins The Great Escape 2026
The "festival for new music" returns to Brighton from May 13 to 16.
Former Spice Girl, Mel C. She will reflect on her three decades in music, from pop superstardom in the ‘90s to her solo career and touring the world as a DJ.
As well as live music, The Great Escape will also be home to a number speakers.
Spice Girls' Melanie C announces first solo album in six years: 'Sweat'
The Spice Girl - who is also known as Sporty Spice in the girl group - has shared the title track from her follow-up to her 2020 self-titled LP, set for release on May 1.
A former Spice Girl is set to perform at a church in Cheshire as part of her new album launch.
Melanie Chisolm, best known as Mel C, will perform at St Mary's Church, Nantwich, on 27 April.
The gig is being organised by local independent shop Applestump Records, which also recently arranged a record signing with Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Tickets go on sale from 10:00 GMT on Friday, with more details about the event to be announced soon.
Melanie, 51, says the new dance album - inspired by her '90s Costa Brava rave days - offers an escape amid "a very dark time" for the world.
She said: “I’ve done a lot of soul-searching. Now I just want to have some fun and get people dancing again.
“When we were young every weekend, we’d go out dancing all night long. In a room of friendly strangers, we found the place where we belong.”
“There are so many horrific things going on in the world, when you make pop and dance music, it can seem almost churlish.
"But music is what gets me through tough moments. I’m really happy I am bringing out a joyful record at a very dark time.”
Speaking about the title track, she added: “Sports, raving, finding joy - these elements are such a huge part of my personality. What works in the club works in the gym - there’s a real crossover.”
Melanie has also announced a headline show at London's O2 Academy Brixton on October 23, 2026. Tickets go on general sale at 10am on October 24, 2025.
As for the Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham recently sent fans wild by sparking speculation she wants to reunite with her old bandmates.
Posh Spice took to her Instagram Story to share footage from fellow '90s stars Oasis' Wembley Stadium show last month, which she attended with her husband Sir David Beckham and children Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
