Births on January 12

Melanie C, English singer-songwriter and actress

Melanie Jayne Chisholm, globally recognised as Melanie C or affectionately Mel C, born on 12 January 1974, is an acclaimed English singer, songwriter, DJ, television personality, and actress. She rose to international prominence as one of the five iconic members of the revolutionary British girl group, the Spice Girls, where she was famously known as 'Sporty Spice'. This moniker perfectly encapsulated her energetic stage presence, athletic aesthetic, and powerful, often acrobatic, vocal delivery.

Her meteoric ascent to fame began in 1996 with the Spice Girls, a period that redefined pop music globally. Within just two years, the group achieved unparalleled success, releasing two consecutive number-one albums and dominating the charts with eight number-one singles out of nine worldwide hits. This incredible run included "Wannabe," which shattered records as the biggest-selling debut single of all time. "Wannabe" topped charts in an astounding 37 countries and sold over seven million records, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Their debut album, Spice, became the biggest-selling album in music history by a girl group, peaking at number one in over 17 countries and selling more than 31 million copies worldwide. Its successor, Spiceworld, continued this trend, selling over 20 million copies. Melanie C's distinctive vocal prowess, characterised by its raw power and versatility, was a cornerstone of the Spice Girls' sound, contributing significantly to their international stardom and groundbreaking success.

Melanie C: A Formidable Solo Artist

Chisholm embarked on her solo career in late 1998, marking her independence with a notable collaboration, singing the duet "When You're Gone" with Canadian rock icon Bryan Adams. Her much-anticipated solo debut album, Northern Star, was released in 1999. It quickly proved her viability as a solo artist, reaching number one in Sweden and a strong number 4 on the highly competitive UK Albums Chart. This album was a monumental success, achieving seven platinum and three gold certifications internationally, including a prestigious triple-Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). With global sales exceeding 4 million copies, Northern Star remains the best-selling solo album by any member of the Spice Girls, solidifying her individual artistic credibility.

Forging an Independent Path: Red Girl Records and Subsequent Works

Following her second album, Reason (2003), which achieved gold certification in the UK with over 500,000 copies sold, Melanie C made a pivotal career move in 2004. Demonstrating her commitment to artistic autonomy, she parted ways with Virgin Records and founded her own independent record company, Red Girl Records. This move allowed her unprecedented creative control over her subsequent releases. Her third album, Beautiful Intentions, released in 2005 under her new label, spent an impressive nine weeks at number one in Portugal and produced several international hit singles, collectively selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide with numerous international certifications.

Her fourth studio album, This Time, released in 2007, marked another significant milestone by becoming her first top 10 album in Switzerland, where it also earned a gold certification. Of the five singles released from this album, the first three impressively reached number one in Portugal, showcasing her continued international appeal. In December 2007, Chisholm briefly reunited with the Spice Girls for the release of a greatest hits album, supported by a highly anticipated and successful world tour, re-igniting global excitement for the iconic group.

Melanie C continued to expand her solo discography with subsequent releases, including her fifth solo album, The Sea (2011), followed by her first EP, The Night (2012). The same year saw the release of her sixth studio album, Stages (2012), a collection of musical theatre covers. Her seventh album, Version of Me, arrived in 2016, showcasing an evolution in her sound, leading up to her critically acclaimed eponymous eighth studio album, Melanie C, released in 2020.

Melanie C's Unprecedented Chart Records and Accolades

Melanie C holds a unique and distinguished position in UK chart history, underscoring her prolific career as both a songwriter and performer.

• She has co-written 11 UK number-one singles, a remarkable achievement that surpasses any other female artist in chart history.
• She is the only female performer ever to have topped the charts as a solo artist, as part of a duo, a quartet (referring to the Spice Girls as a four-piece at times), and a quintet (the original Spice Girls). This versatility highlights her adaptability and consistent success across different musical configurations.
• With a total of twelve UK number-one singles, including the charity single "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" as part of The Justice Collective (released in 2012 to commemorate the Hillsborough disaster), she stands as the second female artist overall – and notably, the first British female artist – with the most number-one singles in the United Kingdom.
• Furthermore, encompassing fourteen songs that have reached the number one position in Britain (including double A-sides), Chisholm is distinguished as the female artist with the most songs to have achieved number one in the comprehensive UK ranking history.

A Legacy of Awards and Global Sales

Her extensive work and undeniable impact on the music industry have garnered Melanie C numerous prestigious awards and nominations, reflecting her critical acclaim and commercial success.

Key Awards and Recognitions:

• A notable mention in the Guinness Book of World Records for her unique chart achievements.
• Three World Music Awards, celebrating her global sales.
• Five Brit Awards from 10 nominations, a testament to her significant impact on British music.
• Three American Music Awards, recognizing her success in the US market.
• Four Billboard Music Awards from six nominations, along with eight special Billboard awards, highlighting her consistent presence on US charts.
• Three MTV Europe Music Awards from seven nominations and one MTV Video Music Award from two nominations, acknowledging her influence in music video and European popular culture.
• Ten ASCAP awards, recognizing her songwriting achievements.
• One Juno Award from two nominations, for her impact in Canada.
• Four nominations at the Echo Awards, Germany's premier music award.

Since her debut in 1996, Melanie Chisholm has achieved extraordinary global sales, exceeding 123 million records worldwide. This impressive figure includes over 100 million copies sold with the Spice Girls and more than 23 million solo albums, singles, and collaborations. Her vast success is further evidenced by over 326 worldwide certifications, including numerous diamond awards, along with 41 silver, gold, and platinum certifications specifically for her solo work. Melanie C's career stands as a powerful testament to her enduring talent, resilience, and groundbreaking influence in contemporary music.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanie C

When did Melanie C start her solo career?

Melanie C initiated her solo career in late 1998 with a duet with Bryan Adams, followed by her debut album, Northern Star, released in 1999.

What is Melanie C's record label?

Melanie C founded her own independent record company, Red Girl Records, in 2004, under which she has released most of her solo material since.

What is Melanie C's biggest selling solo album?

Her debut album, Northern Star, released in 1999, is her biggest-selling solo album, with over 4 million copies sold worldwide and multiple international platinum certifications.

What unique chart record does Melanie C hold?

Melanie C is the only female artist in UK chart history to have achieved number one singles as a solo artist, as part of a duo, a quartet, and a quintet. She also holds the record for co-writing the most UK number-one singles by a female artist (11).