From the very first time that I started liking The Spice Girls, Melanie
Chisholm was the one who stood out, my favourite Spice Girl. There was
just something about her that I couldn't quite put my finger
on...something that said, "Hey this girl is something else!" She was the
one I would watch in all the video clips, she was the one I collected
articles and pictures about, and she was the one I thought was the most
talented and beautiful.
When the question on everyone's lips was "Who's your favourite Spice
Girl?" I still hadn't developed an interest in them, or in Melanie. But
I found myself saying, "Well, none of them really but if I had to
choose, it would be that Sporty one." People would tell me I was crazy,
that she was the least attractive, and had no talent whatsoever. I stuck
to my opinion though, and when I started to like the Spice Girls, I
found that people my age were scorning me for liking them.

However, as much attention as I paid Melanie initially, nothing prepared
me for how breathtakingly gorgeous, how exhiliratingly energetic, and
incredibly fantastic her performance in the Istanbul video would be. I
was in awe throughout the whole video and I could not take my eyes off
Melanie. She was the only Spice Girl who threw herself into the concert
body and soul, and she put on such a wonderful show visually, that when
the concert ended, I found myself wishing it would go on for longer. The
video diary at the beginning was a lovely treat as well, as fans were
treated to her intelligent and well thought out comments on fame, life,
family, and friendship. Throughout the  whole video, Melanie looked
stunning, and she put on a performance I would definitely love to see
live.

The release of SpiceWorld: The Movie was a treat as well. I found the
movie very enjoyable and a right laugh, and wishing Melanie featured
more throughout. SpiceWorld was where we found out Melanie could do more
than just sing! I think what made the movie so enjoyable for me was the
fact that the girls were able to so freely take the mickey out of
themselves, and how well they did it.

Television interviews with the Spice Girls seem to be a rarity here in
Australia.....either that or I seem to miss them when they are shown on
television. I know for sure I was most unfortunate to miss the Ruby Wax
interview, but I was fortunate enough to not only watch, but also record
the Miami Spice interview when it was shown here. And if I thought
Melanie was gorgeous and intelligent in the video diary on the Istanbul
video, then Miami Spice absolutely wowed me!!! Melanie has this certain
way about her, this certain charm, that makes her so irrestistably
loveable. What I liked most about her in the Miami Spice interview was
her elusiveness, her reluctance to tell all, and mostly, her complete
respect for Geri. She made no effort to hide her emotions when she was
speaking about Geri's departure, and I think that if it wasn't for
Melanie G's annoying habit of overriding anyone who wants to have a say,
Melanie C would have said more in that last little interview before the
special ended.

Just when I thought she couldn't get any better than this, the Wembley
video was released in Australia. When I sat down to watch it, I was
blown away. Melanie's performance was absolutely SPECTACULAR. Without a
doubt, she was the only Spice who put her entire body and soul, every
bit of emotion, 100% energy into the concert. I must say, her
performance left me quite emotional, I have never been so amazed,
exhilirated, and in awe of someone before. She really put in every ounce
of energy she had into that show, performing for the people, for
herself, and for her fellow Spice Girls. She really struck me as someone
who was born to be on stage.

Melanie started out as the least favoured Spice Girl. Now she is the one
that everyone says will go the furthest, and the one who is the most
beautiful. But to the fans who loved her from the start, she will always
be so much more.