Melanie Chisholm, also known as Melanie C or Mel C, the pop powerhouse best known to the world as Sporty Spice, has just given fans their first taste of her next chapter with the release of her newest single, “Sweat.” This exciting track is also the title and lead single for her upcoming ninth studio album, Sweat, which is scheduled to drop on May 1, 2026, through Virgin Music Group.
The announcement of a new record brings attention back to the impressive career of Melanie C. She shot to global fame in the mid-1990s as a member of the Spice Girls, the group that coined the phrase “Girl Power” and sold tens of millions of records worldwide. Her athletic fashion and powerful voice earned her the nickname Sporty Spice, a part of pop culture history that remains beloved today.
When the group took a break, Melanie C successfully launched her solo career. Her 1999 debut album, Northern Star, became a massive hit and spun off international chart-toppers like “Never Be the Same Again” and the dance anthem “I Turn to You.” Over the years, she has continued to release music across various genres, proving her staying power far beyond her girl-group roots.
Her new album, Sweat, is described by the artist as a “joyful” record that aims to get people moving. The entire project is deeply inspired by the vibrant 1990s Costa Brava rave scene, which she experienced as a teenager. The music is an upbeat mix of dance-pop that perfectly captures the energy and freedom of that time. The title track, “Sweat,” pays homage to dance music history by cleverly sampling the iconic 1982 Diana Ross single, “Work That Body.”
“Dance to it. Run to it. Lift to it. Sweat to it,” Melanie C told fans on Instagram when the song dropped. “I grew up on that pure, feel-good energy — and it’s back.”
For those eager to dive into the full experience, the 13-song album is set to include tracks with memorable titles like “Drum Machine,” “Pressure,” and “Undefeated Champion.” Other songs, according to NME and Stereoboard.com, also include Sweat, WCPGW, Til It Breaks, Emotional Memory, Attitude, Good For Nothing, Cashmere, Free To Love, One Track Mind, and Flick of the Wrist.
“Sports, raving, finding joy — these elements are such a huge part of my personality,” the 51-year-old singer-songwriter said of the Sweat track, per NME. “What works in the club works in the gym. There’s a real crossover.”
According to a post on her official Facebook page, fans can pre-order the album now through Melanie C’s official store. It will be released in various formats to suit every fan’s preference, including cassette, CD, digital download, LP, and streaming. Special collector’s editions, such as a signed orange vinyl, are also available for pre-order, ensuring that fans have plenty of ways to enjoy the new music when the album arrives next year.
Melanie C will be performing a one-off concert at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on October 23.
by Patricia Bianca Taculao
Orange Magazine’s contributing writer
