Singer Who Auditioned for Spice Girls Recalls Feeling ‘Gutted’ When She Saw the Group’s Success: ‘Could Have Been Me’

In a recent interview on ITV’s *Good Morning Britain*, Melanie Coloma recalled her experience auditioning for the iconic girl group, the Spice Girls, as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. Coloma, now a professional singer, described the emotional journey of her auditions and her admiration for the group’s subsequent success.

Coloma was just 17 when she discovered an audition advertised in *The Stage* newspaper, with little knowledge of the Spice Girls or the group’s potential impact. “Nobody knew what it was,” she explained, adding, “We didn’t know what group it was going to be.” The audition process was unlike any other she had encountered, with hundreds of hopefuls gathered in one place, contributing to an exhilarating atmosphere.

Initially, Coloma felt discouraged when she did not receive a callback after the first round of auditions. However, she was unexpectedly called back for the next stage. It was during this round that she truly connected with the group members, particularly Mel B and Geri Halliwell, who stood out in her memory. “Both were fantastic,” she said fondly, recalling Halliwell’s humour and Mel B’s striking presence.

Coloma noted that she did not spend much time with the other members, Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, or Melanie C. She remembered that Emma was not present as she had joined the group later, and Melanie C was absent due to illness during the second round. If she had made it into the group, Coloma would have been known as “Mel L,” a title she admits does not hold the same allure, joking that her friends would have dubbed her “Laughing Spice” for her jovial nature.

After the auditions, Coloma found herself on tour and happened to switch on the television while staying in a Liverpool hotel. She was astonished to see the Spice Girls performing “Wannabe.” “I recognised those girls, and that’s when it hit me,” she recalled, realising the significant transformation from auditioning to international stardom. Despite her respect for the group, she admitted to feeling a sense of loss: “I was gutted. Not furious, but I was like, ‘Ah, that could have been me.’”

However, Coloma’s admiration for the Spice Girls has remained steadfast throughout the years. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for them, and they’re lovely girls, the ones that I’ve met anyway,” she said, praising their talent and impact on the music industry, especially in promoting female artists.

Now established as a working singer herself, Coloma has even performed the Spice Girls’ hit “2 Become 1” on a cruise ship, illustrating her connection to the music that has defined a generation. The Spice Girls have become the best-selling girl group of all time, with an impressive collection of chart-topping singles, including “Say You’ll Be There” and “2 Become 1.”

In celebration of their milestone anniversary, the Spice Girls are set to release a comprehensive box set titled *The Singles Collection*, which will feature all of their B-sides, available in both vinyl and CD formats. This collection is slated for release on November 6, allowing fans to delve deeper into the history of a group that has left an indelible mark on pop music.

Coloma’s reflection on her audition experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the music industry, where talent alone does not guarantee success. Yet, her enduring respect for the Spice Girls encapsulates the camaraderie and connections that can arise even in competitive environments.