The Spice Girls' iconic hit 'Wannabe' turns 30, and a forgotten original member, Lianne Morgan, reflects on her unexpected journey. Morgan, who was replaced by Mel C due to her age, shares her thoughts on the group's rise to fame and the impact of their music.
Morgan's story begins with an audition at Nomis Studios, where she was chosen for the girl group 'Touch' alongside Geri Halliwell, Melanie Brown, and Victoria Adams. She stood out for her confidence, singing and dancing skills, and ability to handle hecklers, a unique edge that caught the group's attention.
However, her time with the group was short-lived. Morgan was only 23, seven years older than the other members, and was deemed 'too old' by the group's standards. This led to her replacement by Mel C, who went on to become Mel C of the Spice Girls.
Morgan's reaction to the group's success was one of mixed emotions. She was pleased for them but also felt a sense of loss, especially after seeing them perform 'Wannabe' on Top of the Pops. Her fears of being forgotten proved unfounded, as Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham fondly remembered her in their autobiographies.
Despite her brief time with the group, Morgan's experience had a lasting impact on her career. She was portrayed as 'bitter' in the press, which was 'upsetting' and affected her singing career. Morgan had to learn to navigate the music industry, understanding the importance of playing the game.
Over the years, Morgan built a successful career in music, education, and the arts. She worked with young people with Tourettes and nonverbal communication challenges, finding fulfillment in helping them overcome their struggles. A career change in 2014, after a devastating diagnosis of Spasmodic Dysphonia, led her to embrace art and connection, a new path that aligns with her love for music and communication.
Today, Morgan is a principal singer on a cruise ship and is working on a new exhibition. As 'Wannabe' celebrates its 30th anniversary, she reflects on her journey, feeling grateful for the impact the Spice Girls had on her life and the music industry. Morgan's story serves as a reminder that sometimes, being a part of something bigger can shape our paths in unexpected ways.
