Whether she’s commanding the stage of a sold-out arena or delivering an intimate acoustic set, Melanie C has proven that her musical legacy extends far beyond the "Sporty" moniker that first made her a global icon. While her journey began as one-fifth of the most successful girl group in history, it is her evolution as a solo artist that has cemented her status as a pop powerhouse in her own right.
With a career spanning over 25 years and nine studio albums, including her highly anticipated 2026 release, Sweat, Melanie C has masterfully navigated the industry on her own terms. She has a cross-generational fan base that has stood by her through every era of her solo career - they don't just listen to the music, they champion the woman who taught them that "Girl Power" was only the beginning. My obsession started with the masterpiece that was Northern Star, but it was her 2020 self-titled project that really sealed the deal for me. It stood out as one of the best dance-pop releases of that entire year, proving she’s only getting better with time.
At 52, Melanie C brings the heat on Sweat, released on May 1. It’s a joyful nod to her journey through the UK rave scene in the 90s and her career behind the DJ decks. By blending the athleticism of her "Sporty Spice" persona with sleek, pulsating electronic production, she has created a love letter to the power of community, fitness and of course, the club. She certainly infused her Sweat Tour with this joyful energy and resilience which made a stop at NYC’s Webster Hall this week, bringing her charisma and energy to the sold out show.
She took to the stage channeling a prizefighter making a championship ring entrance, sporting a dramatic, oversized silk robe with "Undefeated Champion" emblazoned on the back (the title of the opening song). The rest of the show’s outfits were a nod to her signature athletic looks (including her iconic side-striped track pants) that showed off her impressive physique - with a sleek, high-fashion twist. I also loved her neon-lettered “Sporty Says Sweat” shirt, available at the merch stand.
She performed most of the songs from the new album as well as some Spice Girls hits, including Viva Forever and Say You’ll Be There as part of her acoustic set, which transported me back to my late teens. She also showed off some of her DJ skills with a high-energy mashup of The Power / Pump Up The Jam / Seven Nation Army / Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless). She maintained the high energy from the first note through the encore, capping off a perfect night with an explosive performance of one of her biggest solo hits, I Turn To You.
The complete setlist was as follows:
Undefeated Champion
Free to Love
Til It Breaks
Emotional Memory
Cashmere
Attitude
Pressure
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (Acoustic)
Viva Forever (Acoustic)
Say You'll Be There (Acoustic)
Never Be the Same Again
Sweat
Touch Me (Rui Da Silva feat. Cassandra cover)
One Track Mind
Flick of the Wrist
Good for Nothing
The Power / Pump Up the Jam / Seven Nation Army / Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless) (DJ set)
Who Do You Think You Are
Spice Up Your Life
Drum Machine
Encore:
A Place Where We Belong
I Turn to You
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