One of the Spice Girls’ most iconic hits, Spice Up Your Life, is now being censored by multiple radio stations, including BBC Radio 2, due to a controversial lyric.
The Controversial Lyric and Its Alteration
Originally released in 1997, Spice Up Your Life became a global sensation, cementing Mel B, Melanie C, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, and Victoria Beckham as pop icons. However, a particular verse has now been altered in radio broadcasts:
Original lyric:
“Yellow man in Timbuktu. Colour for both me and you.”
Censored version:
The word “Yellow” has been removed to avoid potential misinterpretations or backlash.
Ongoing Discussions About the Song’s Lyrics
This isn’t the first time the song’s lyrics have drawn attention. In 2019, there were discussions about replacing “Yellow” with “Happy” during the band’s reunion tour, but the idea was ultimately abandoned. In 2023, during an episode of Doctor Who, the song was played in a censored version, with dialogue conveniently covering the controversial lyric.
BBC Radio 2 clarified in a statement to The Sun that the edited version being played was not their decision but rather a pre-existing modified version now widely used by radio stations.
Are the Spice Girls Planning a Comeback?
Speculation about a full Spice Girls reunion has persisted for years, reigniting in April 2024 when all five members reunited for a surprise performance of Stop at Victoria Beckham’s birthday party.
Several members have hinted at a return:
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Mel B revealed in March 2024 that the group is planning something special for their 30th anniversary.
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Emma Bunton released a celebratory version of 2 Become 1 in December 2024.
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Mel C recently stated that “the time has come” for a major comeback.
Despite rumors that the Spice Girls would perform at Glastonbury 2023, Mel C later disclosed that logistical challenges prevented the reunion.
The group last toured in 2019—without Victoria Beckham. Their last full lineup performance was in 2012 at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics.
With ongoing censorship debates and reunion rumors, the Spice Girls continue to make headlines, proving their lasting impact on pop culture.
