Spice Girls sizzle on Much

TORONTO -- Believe the hype folks. It's real. And if the reaction of the crowd today in downtown Toronto is any indication of just how popular they are, it's definitely a Spice World.
 
 The matrons of Girl Power, The Spice Girls, came to Toronto and whipped their fans into the kind of frenzy that only they can. In town for last night's concert at the Molson Amphitheater, the fab four, Emma (Baby Spice), Mel C. (Sporty Spice), Mel B. (Scary Spice) and Victoria (Posh Spice), were guests today on MuchMusic's Intimate & Interactive, a forum that let them get close to those that love them so much.
 
 An estimated 5000 people lined the streets surrounding MuchMusic to try and catch a glimpse of what is arguably today's hottest pop group. They didn't go away empty handed. In between answering questions from some of the 100 or so people who were lucky enough to be in the studio audience, The Spice Girls also occasionally left the studio and interacted with the throngs of people outside.
 
 "We're going to party," Mel B. said on one of her excursions outside, "we want to see you dancing in the streets!"
 
 One girl who tried to ask The Spice Girls a question was so overcome with emotion that she burst into tears. She was quickly comforted by both Emma and Mel C. Another fan who had camped out in front of MuchMusic for more than a day was rewarded with the chance to kiss the hand of Mel B.
 
 The Spice Girls, who were given a police escort both to and from MuchMusic, performed five of the hits that have helped them sell more than 31 million albums worldwide. Opening with Wannabe, they also treated the audience to Say You'll Be There and Spice Up Your Life, before taking questions.
 
 They answered questions ranging from how they're doing since Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwel) left the group and what it's like to be role models, to how they handle all the attention they get and what their hidden talents are. For the record, Mel B. plays the drums, Victoria can juggle, Emma is a tap dancer and into martial arts and Mel C. plays hockey.
 
 "I came all the way from Bridgetown, Nova Scotia," said 15-year old Kyle Turner. "Their music cheers me up and you're only young once," he said.
 
 Though The Spice Girls said they were going to start work on a new album in the new year, rumours were swirling at MuchMusic that they may in fact put out a Christmas album and might even play some more Canadian dates this fall.
 
 As their hour and-a-half session with host Master T came to and end, The Spice Girls performed two more hits, Stop and Viva Forever. They were then hurried out to a waiting bus for a quick trip to the airport.
 
 They may not have been given the keys to the city on this day, but they were definitely given the hearts of their fans.