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Melanie C 2K

Worldpop Melanie C Interview - 3/17/00

Black Text = Peter Grant (World Pop)
Blue Text = Melanie C

Waiting For That Man

Millionaire, pop star, Spice Girl. There's only one thing that's missing in Mel C's life and that's some love action, as she revealed to worldpop.

You're the girl who's got everything. What's missing, a guy?

Personally I wish that I had found somebody, especially since the other girls have partners now. Well, I guess Melanie has some troubles in her marriage now, but yes I do wish I had somebody.

Does the press speculation about your love life get to you?

Not really. The press can write whatever they want, it's a bit of a joke really, in the press. I've been pictured with many guys. Sometimes you go out with a friend, he's a guy, but he's openly gay and everyone knows it, but in the paper he turns into my new flame. It's almost comic. But of course I've had relationships.

But you've managed to keep them hidden from the press?

I haven't managed to keep them, full stop! I've had dates and whatever. I suppose fame has a lot to do with it. I'm never in one place and that's hard on a relationship, but it's not the right time for me to get involved right now.

Have you always played hard to get?

Well, yeah. In school, I had boyfriends but I suppose I was hard to get. I think it's quite nice to be chased. But once it happens, I'm very shy. I can't speak to them. Remember The New kids On The Block? I had a crush on Jordan Knight when I was a kid, and I went to The American Music Awards in LA, and he was there - and I couldn't even turn around and say hello!

Would you like to start a family at some point?

In the future, but it's not something I can see me doing in the next five years. But I would definitely like to get kids. I don't know about getting married, though.

Who do you miss when you're away from home?

My brother, we're very close. He's 20. I speak to him on the all the time. I miss it when I'm not there to share stuff with him.

Is it hard staying in touch with old friends back home in Liverpool?

My best friends in school, I see them whenever I come home, and we're in constant contact. But when we get back together - it's exactly the same as it always was. They do get angry with me because I sneak off and pay for dinners and stuff all the time. But they buy me lovely gifts and stuff…

So what do you buy the Spice Girl who has everything?

I know, it must be difficult! But people who know me, know what I like and it can be underwear or small stuff. It's the thought that counts.

Did it hit you at one point that you could buy whatever you wanted?

It's funny, when I was a student and when I was unemployed, I guess I was around 18, I used to walk around the shops in London and I used to say 'one day I'll be able to walk in and buy things in this store'.

and now you could buy the whole store…

Nah, you know what, now I don't care about those stores. I go to Harvey Nichols instead! That's pretty amazing, but then again, Money doesn't make you happy. I'm quite sensible with money. The most extravagant thing I've got is my flat in London. It cost me an awful lot of money, but it's just the way I want it to be. I like antiques, especially Art Deco. I'm getting quite interested in Buddhism and Eastern culture, really. I love the little artefacts connected to that.

So what else is important in your life right now?

I tell you what I have done, I'm getting very, very health conscious. It's gruelling to travel and perform all the time. I've never smoked anyway, but I used to go out and have a few drinks, but I don't really drink anymore. I just like to really look after myself. I think you have to. I don't know how some bands can lead the rock and roll lifestyle. You know, I eat really well, I don't drink and smoke - and I'm knackered!

Being a Spice Girl - nice work if you can get it…

Oh yeah, I do care about money, and I was overwhelmed by the money that I have earned. And that it's possible to earn so much for doing something I love to do. But sometimes I forget that I get paid for doing this. When you get money, you realize that money doesn't make you happy, but they buy freedom. All want to do is be able to make records. I'm glad that I've been able to give some back to my family.

So you never have to worry about bills these days?

I still have to pay my bills, they're just higher now. What people must realize is that as an artist you take a lot of risks, especially a solo artist. I have a band I need to look after, I've got a tour manager and an assistant. I have huge expenses.

If you lost everything tomorrow, what would you miss the most?

Being on stage, singing live. If that was taken away from me… it's the most important part of my life. Everything else is just benefits you can do without.

You're about to get a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Brits - do you have to pinch yourself when you think about what you and the girls have achieved?

It's incomprehensible, but I rarely think about it that way. I go to bed and think 'yuck, I've gotta get up at 7 o'clock tomorrow and fly to wherever and work…' I don't know any different now.

What's it like meeting or working with your heroes?

That's mad, completely mad! I'm so star struck, every time! But everyone I've worked with has been so lovely. They've shown me a lot of respect. And coming out as a solo artist - one of the Spice Girls - I didn't know how people would treat me or what they would think of me, but everyone who's been working with me has done so because they wanted to, and because they believed in me. That gave me a lot of confidence. It was my album, I was the boss, but we had mutual respect.

You're probably used to doing interviews with the rest of the girls, so what's the difference when you do them on your own?

I think I tend to be a little bit more serious when I'm on my own. When we're all together as the Spice Girls, we're all very cheeky. It's loads of fun, but we rarely make any sense. When you're alone you have to answer all the questions, and you don't realize that it can be quite tiring. With The Spice Girls, if you had a bad day, you could skip an interview, the others would be there to cover for you. I can't do that on my own.

You're all off doing your solo projects - do you think that was inevitable?

Absolutely. It was something we all talked about very early on, when we first got together as a band. We've all got different dreams, as well as being good mates and a great band. We've all good individual avenues we want to explore, even musically. I'm a lot more rock orientated than Mel and Emma, and Victoria is a lot more hip hop and R&B. It's nice to be able to go off and do that.

Is it difficult to do your rock thing and then go back to the Spice Girls?

No, not at all. The Spice Girls is a huge part of my life, and that's within me, but on my own I'm very different.

How do you think your life would have turned out if the Spice Girls had never happened?

God, it's hard to say. When I joined the Spice Girls, I was only 20, very young and very ambitious. And really, I was ready to do whatever it took to get successful. Luckily enough I got in a good band and we made good music and we went on to be a phenomenon that we still can't accept. It's fantastic what's happened to us. But I'm older now, and I know what I want - what I really, really want.

Did you ever worry that Spice Girls fans wouldn't like your new rock style?

I didn't think about that. I'm very proud of the record, it's from the heart. I've been quite surprised with some Spice Girls fans who really don't like what I've been doing, but I have to accept that. I gotta do what I want to do.

Do you want the solo thing to be as big as the Spice Girls?

Of course I want to be successful, I'm human. I've always done exactly what I wanted to. My record is doing very well, so I'm pleased. I could never match what the Spice Girls did anyway, I'd be foolish to even think that. I just give 100% and I pour everything into my show.

Do you think some people have slagged the album just because you're a Spice Girl?

My album's had fantastic reviews all over the world, but it's hard for some people to listen without prejudice. That's all I want people to do. Just listen to it, and don't go 'Eurgh, it's the Spice Girls.' It's only a record.

What can we expect from the next Spice album?

It's a little bit more mature, but it's still very spicy. Very cheeky and poppy. Maybe a little more R&B, so vocally it's more challenging. It's very good.

Some of your interviews, like the one where you spoke about Geri, have got you into a bit of bother…

Maybe I should have learned to keep my mouth shut and stop being so honest, but I can't. If someone asks me a question, I want to answer it honestly. If it gets me in deep water, or if it gets misquoted, then that's what it is.

17th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C TV Tickets

And another one from Melanie C's official website:

Mel will be appearing on the new BBC1 programme "A Question of Pop" (it's like "A Question of Sport" but on pop) Jamie Theakston chairs the programme with teams captains - Suggs (from Madness) and Noddy Holder (the guy with the massive hair and the louder voice from 70s icons Slade). If you want to be in the audience, you can, as we have tickets to give away ! The only stipulation is that you must be over 14. The programme will be recorded in BBC Television Centre on Saturday 1st April. Email :

Rebecca.Saponiere@bbc.co.uk.

17th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> DJ Sporty C

From Melanie C's official website:

Mel will be on Capital Radio Sunday 19th March. She is to be one of several celebs taking to the decks to spin a load of tunes for an hour and a half. Songs she has chosen include Stevie Wonder, Blur, The Beatles, and Travis. Other celebs taking to the wheels of steel in the future include Will Smith, Tom Jones, and The Stereophonics. Mel's show is on air from 8.30 til 10.

17th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Northern Star Platinum

Melanie C's official homepage has news that Mel's solo debut album Northern Star has gone platinum in the UK. Melanie comments:

"I'm absolutely over the moon. I'll soon be announcing my tour dates so you'll be able to see me at a venue near you very soon!"

Note that in the UK, platinum status is 300,000 copies sold.

17th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Launches Cancer Charity

Sporty Spice Melanie C was in Buxton, Derbyshire a couple days ago where she, along side Nurse of the Year Julieann Carter, helped urge people to take part in Marie Curie Cancer Care's Daffodil Campaign 2000. Mel spoke about losing her grandfather:

"I lost my grandad to cancer so I know how important it is for families to feel help is at hand from charities such as Marie Curie Cancer Care."

15th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C in Curve

There is a small article and telephone interview with Sporty Spice Melanie C in lesbian magazine Curve (US). The magazine asks her "What's a Spice Girl to do when everyone thinks she's a lesbian?" to which Mel replies "The proper response? I don't know. Sometimes, I like to say it's a compliment, because women do have better taste than men, but, oh, my gosh, I don't know." She was then asked directly whether she's had affairs with women to which she replied "No, never." She admits that the lesbian image hasn't hurt her any though, telling how after one Spice Girls concert a young girl grabbed her arm and said: "Look, I know you're not gay, but you helped me to come out to my family." "That's kind of touching, isn't it? I'm honoured to be able to help someone in that process, because it's so important." said Mel C.

15th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C: Track Her

Melanie C helped launch London's Ideal Home show with a visit to the house which is to become the focus of a bizarre new "fly on the wall" show. Five strangers will be paid £10,000 to live together for a month in the house, which in inside the Earl's Court exhibition hall. The group will be surrounded by microphones and Webcams and their progress will be broadcast on London's Heart 106.2 radio station.

14th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Is He/ Isn't He?

::Rumour Warning::

Conflicting tabloid reports keep coming out of the UK about whether or not Jason Brown of singing group Five is Melanie C's new boyfriend or not. J recently told one tabloid:

"I haven't had nookie for a year. But I think that's going to change soon. Who can resist a girl like Sporty? She is a beautiful looking woman and I will be seeing her again very soon. When you meet Mel in the flesh you realise just how beautiful she is. She is 100 per cent women. She's got a fit body and a fit mind. Mel's not only sexy, she is a great laugh and fun to be around."

When asked about the fight that Mel C had with him the night after the Brits after hearing that he called her ugly J said:

"I didn't have a clue what she was talking about and told her I'd never have made such a remark. I was amazed about how forward she was. To be honest, I was quite struck by how aggressive and angry she was. I explained again that I'd never said it. I mean you only have to look at the girl. She's gorgeous. Finally things settled down and she asked me if I fancied going for a drink to an after-show bash. Well, it's not exactly a date you'd turn down and I jumped at the chance. Clearly Mel is a girl who knows what she wants. Anyway, we had a few fizzy pops together and got on fantastically. As the night wore on and the fizzy pops continued, we had a little snog. But that's all I want to say right now! The relationship is in its early days and it's a personal, private thing. This is a tough business to have a proper relationship in, so we're going to take our time. But it is fair to say we're great mates and want things to continue slowly. I will never forget the Brits night. Not only did I get an award but I also got to romance one of the most stunning women in pop. That has to go down as one of the best nights in my life. I remember saying to Mel at the time how I couldn't believe it was all happening. But fate is a strange thing and I've got to be one of the happiest guys on this planet right now."

In another interview with another tabloid, J apparently said:

"Mel C and I spoke a couple of words after the Brits and that's all. It's all a case of Chinese whispers since then. I've spoken to her a couple of times and that's that. Now people are suggesting that we'll be getting married and that we are planning on having 12 kids. If she is saying she wants to start something then I'll consider it. If she wants to call me, she can, but I won't be hanging on the other end of the phone waiting for the call."

::Rumour Warning::

12th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Northern Star at #13

Melanie C's solo debut album Northern Star is at #13 this week on the UK Album charts. Last week it was #21.

10th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C & J

Sporty Spice Melanie C and Five band member Jason "J" Brown appear to be dating each other. It is rumoured that J admitted to it. In an interview Jason once actually said that Mel C is ugly. The two had a heated discussion at a post-Brit awards party but ended up really getting along and even kissing the same night! Jason said recently:

"We met on Friday after the Brits and had a bit of an argument. Then we ended up having a heated encounter. She's a great laugh and who knows what will happen?"

Melanie C was on Zoë Ball's Breakfast Radio Show Finale today and Zoë asked her if the two were an item. Mel replied "He's lovely" after which she giggled. Then Zoë said on the air "it's true Ladies and Gentlemen, Mel C and J" to which Melanie only giggled more. Obviously there's something going on between the two.

Thanks Säm Falson.

9th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C on MTV Select

Melanie C well be on Select MTV (EU) this coming Monday at 4pm.

Thanks to Sara.

9th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C bashes Geri's Hair

Sporty Spice Mel C was recently interviewed on BBC2's O-Zone. On the show she commented on former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell's hair saying:

"You know I love Geri, but the hair's got to go. It's a bit big, a bit Barbie, isn't it?"

9th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel Talks To Sky News

Sky News (UK) has recently had a talk with Melanie C. In the interview Mel rules out the possibility of a collaboration with Geri Halliwell but says she would love to work with Madonna. Melanie said:

"Musically we are very, very different as artists. But you know, no matter what happens in the industry, in both our careers, Geri is still a very dear friend of mine and that's never going to change. I'm releasing my single at the time that's right for me (same day as Geri's new single) to release it. Geri's career has absolutely nothing to do with mine. Everything I do, it's a personal thing. If the papers want to make a bit of a thing, a media circus, out of it, it doesn't do me any harm. It reminds people that I've got a record out so I'm not complaining."

"I'd like to work with Madonna. I think that would be the icing on the cake so maybe, one day, that would be a great collaboration if she was up for it. But there are so many other artists, bands like Stereophonics or Travis. That's part of the music scene that really excites me. There are so many good rock bands coming out of the country, whereas I think the pop in England's a bit weak at the moment, apart from Five, they're great!!"

She also talked about her music and solo career:

"There's always inspiration behind every song. The writing of my solo album was quite cathartic, it got a lot of stuff out. I think if people have heard some of the album there's a lot of aggression inside me as well as a romantic side, so it's nice to be able to do that and express myself in lots of different ways. My love of music is across the board, I've never really put myself into one style of music, I just enjoy something if I think it's good. So I think that's reflected a lot and a lot of musicians who inspired me are from different genres, people from the R+B and soul music scenes and the rock scene, I think predominantly it's pop with flavours of different styles."

"I'm a very shy person at heart and, with the Spice Girls, trying to compete with Melanie and Geri is a mean task! But that was fun and, in those days, I sat and listened and learned a lot. Now it's exciting for me to have an opinion - which I always had anyway - but now I can express it. I have to be careful what I say - I've got a lot of impressionable young fans. I'm still a Spice Girl so I have to take into consideration the other girls' feelings and thoughts, but I feel a bit freer and able to express what I really feel."

Mel also talks about the possibility of acting for the first time:

"I have fantasies of being a movie star so, maybe, if the right script came in, I'd have a bash at that. But at the moment I'm looking forward to touring this record, because that's what it's all about for me. I just want to get up there on stage and play my music live."

8th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C vs. Steps

Melanie C continues an ongoing battle with the British pop group Steps. Melanie was asked about Steps by Smash Hits magazine (UK) and she said:

Steps are great entertainment but would they call themselves artists? They don't write their own material. They're not serious musicians. They don't even play with a live band on tour, so don't put them in the same category as someone like me."

She was also recently asked in a Danish interview recently who she thought the worst band in the world was, and she said "Steps". I think it's important to note that Melanie never started bashing Steps out of the blue, but rather just replied honestly to questions that she was asked.

7th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C on Donnie and Marie

Melanie C will be a guest on the Donny & Marie show (US) on Monday, March 13th. Check local listings for times.

Thanks again to Linda Parham.

7th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Rising Star

Melanie C's solo debut album Northern Star is climbing the UK charts. It was out of the top 75 three weeks ago, re-entered the charts two weeks ago at #59. It moved up to #34 last week, and this week it is at #21. Much of this is probably to be attributed to her new single "Never Be The Same Again", which hits the streets on March 20th.

Thanks to Zila.

7th March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C Mirror Interview

The Mirror talked to Sporty Spice Melanie C on the telephone recently and here is a local copy of the interview. It's a very cute interview, the type i like with not the same old questions:

Mirror Melanie C Interview - 3/6/00

Black Text = Nina Myskow(The Mirror)
Blue Text = Melanie C

HANGING ON THE TELEPHONE WITH... MEL C

As Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls, Melanie Chisholm has achieved success beyond most girls' wildest dreams. She's also had two solo hit singles. For her third, Never be the Same Again, released on the 20th of this month, she has teamed up with R&B star Lisa `Left Eye' Lopez from TLC. We caught up with Mel for a bit of a gossip.

What time did you get up?

I was awake at 5, but made myself stay in bed till 6. I was tossing and turning all night. I usually get up by 8, I'm an early bird. A morning person. I'm not much use in the evening - the opposite to the other Spice Girls, which can be a pain.

Who was the first person you spoke to today?

Ying, my assistant. I must have been in a right mess this morning - do you know what I did? I was running the bath, and I didn't leave it that long, but it overflowed. It was like a big pool, so I woke her up to help me soak it up with loads of towels. Ying is - are you 31 now? She's 31. She's from Rhyl in Wales, her father was Chinese.

Where are you right now?

In my kitchen. It's quite big. I've got one of those nice big stainless steel fridges. You know, with the double doors and the ice? It's great. When I moved into the flat, it was already done, so I had all the top gear in it. I think I've got teak - is it teak? - cupboards, and a little leather booth. I've got a stainless steel table as well.

What are you wearing?

A DKNY vest, it's violet. It's a very calming colour, isn't it? And jogging bottoms - I've just got back from the gym. They're a more purply blue. No shoes or socks. No make-up and my hair's all greasy from a treatment at the gym. One of those algae wrap things.

What's your most recent purchase?

I went shopping in Hampstead yesterday for some pressies for Phoenix's birthday, Mel G's little girl. Some old-fashioned toys - a little wooden mobile and a dragon. Sunday's the best day in Hampstead. In fact, I think it might be a good place to pull. You'll probably see me roaming the High Street, looking for the father of my children.

When did you last get drunk?

My friend's birthday on the 28th of January. I was doing a radio thing in Manchester. We went out for dinner after and got disgustingly drunk on champagne. I had a dreadful hangover. They seem to last days. I always want a McDonald's, but I never have one. The smell makes me want to be sick.

What's your most recent journey?

I flew back from Germany yesterday. I was in Cologne doing a TV show - it was a complete farce. It's a fantastic show, but a bit of a shambles. They played my songs in the wrong order. It's exhausting, travelling. And some airline food is weird. I didn't touch it, but they gave everybody beef for breakfast.

What's the most recent domestic thing you've done?

Cooking last night, a stir-fry. I used to do all my own washing and stuff, then it got to the point where I just didn't have the time. Mind you, when the Spice Girls lived together, I was the tidiest, the one who was always washing-up. I've just got out of the habit. And when you can afford a cleaner, you don't want to do it yourself, do you?

When did you last have a snog?

Gosh, that's a bit personal! Probably on that drunken night out on the town, actually. Not since then, I've been a busy girl, working. It was somebody I'm fond of, yes. Somebody you might know about? Possibly. And it was a good snog, yes, they're a good snogger. I'm not even going to tell you initials. I'm going to keep you guessing.

When did you last cry?

Watching Sixth Sense. I absolutely adore Bruce Willis, he's my hero. I was just crying uncontrollably. Big quiveries, you know, `Urh! Whurh!' Like that. Red nose, red eyes, the works. Thank God I was in a hotel room, not a cinema. I can sometimes just shed a tear, but if I've got to get it out, it's a sight to be seen.

What are you going to do when you hang up?

I've got to find out - is Emma coming? Yes, a lady is coming round to talk about decorating my bedroom. I've had it painted blue, but that's quite cold, and it's got a very high ceiling, so I need it warming up. Tonight I'm just going to sit in front of the telly. I'm making the most of my time in England, catching up with the soaps.

2nd March 2000 | Posted by: SpiceNews

>> Mel C Leaves Spice Girls?

Melanie C has shot down rumours that she would be leaving Spice Girls after this year's Brit Awards . On her streak of UK television promo appearances on shows such as Big Breakfast and The Priority she falsified rumours that she would be leaving as well as that she is having a big fight with Mel B. She even showed pictures of the girls rehearsing for their Brit Awards performance.

Thanks to Rubina, Alexandre, and everyone else who sent it in.

--End Of News--

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