It seems preposterous that it's been 20 years since the Spice Girls blew my tiny child mind with Wannabe, but sadly, calendars don't lie.
It's no exaggeration to say that I grew up on the Spice Girls, and I doubt that I'd be an entertainment journalist now, if it weren't for the introduction to all things pop - and heady dose of girl power - that they gave me.
I can't remember the *exact* moment when I first saw the five women causing havoc in the halls of the St. Pancras Hotel, but I do know that everything must have shifted slightly when I did. Quite soon after laying eyes (and ears) on the group, unapologetically trashing the posh gathering and generally having a fabulous time, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to be one day.
Granted, my pop career is still yet to flourish (there's still time, ok?), but the lessons I learnt as a Spice Girls devotee have stayed with me. As we celebrate 20 years since the birth of one of British pop culture's greatest phenomenons, here's what the ladies themselves taught me over the years...
Literally, same.
Sadly, the same can't be said for the blue gloves Emma sports in this video.
It's fine though, everyone. I'm totally over the fact Geri didn't turn up for that National Lottery Show now. Completely. 100%. Don't care.
WHY, GERI, WHY????
Y'know the line: "Baby, get it on, get it on." Yeah, they meant get a condom on.
If you're ever feeling a bit 'meh', just channel Victoria at the 2012 Closing Ceremony.
"Hold on to your knickers, girls!"
Obviously.
"Strength and courage and a Wonderbra."
The stairs or the kitchen, ftw.
It's no secret that the ladies didn't get on at times, but it's all water on under the bridge now. Well. Sort of.
When I win a Brit Award, my pals will definitely be on stage with me.
Amen.
