Mel C Shares How Diana Ross Inspired the Spice Girls and Her New Sample of the Icon

Mel C at Jingle Ball.
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Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

### Mel C Reflects on Diana Ross’s Influence at Jingle Ball

At the iHeartRadio Z100 Jingle Ball in New York City on December 12, 2025, Melanie “Mel C” Chisholm discussed the profound influence that Diana Ross has had on her career and the Spice Girls.

Speaking with media, Mel C recalled the pivotal moments in her childhood and early career that shaped her musical journey. “Well, with the Spice Girls, obviously we started in the ’90s, and we had so many influences,” she said. “There had been so many incredible women that had gone before us, and Diana was one of those women.”

Mel C highlighted the significance of attending a live performance by Ross early in the Spice Girls’ career. “We were lucky enough to watch her perform in London very early in our career,” she shared. “I think a lot of us had our parents be big fans of Diana Ross and The Supremes, and I personally grew up in a lot of Motown as well.”

Diana Ross.

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Mel C’s new single, “Sweat,” features a sample from Ross’s 1981 hit “Work That Body.” She expressed pride in this connection, stating, “My mom was a huge fan. So it’s something that’s just always been there. I think as an artist, everything that’s been in your life inspires you. So it’s wonderful now to have her fantastic sample in my new song.”

The Spice Girls rose to fame more than 30 years ago, consisting of Mel C, Emma Bunton, Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Mel B. Though fans have long awaited a reunion tour, not all members are keen on returning to the stage together. Since their split in 2001, the group has maintained their friendship, and they staged a reunion tour in 2019—however, Beckham did not participate.

Spice Girls.

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In October 2025, Beckham acknowledged the possibility of a reunion, sharing with Andy Cohen that while the idea of performing together again is appealing, a full world tour is impractical for her current commitments. “Before I was in the Spice Girls, I was so self-conscious,” Beckham reflected. “They made me feel that I was good enough, but being on stage, I realized that as fun as it is, it’s not ultimately what I want to do anymore.”

Nevertheless, she remarked that a Spice Girls performance at the Sphere in Las Vegas would be “amazing.”

The last major public performance by the group occurred during the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony, with an informal reunion taking place at Beckham’s 50th birthday party last year.