The Melanie C World Tour
Location: Boston, MA
Date: September 14, 2026
After more than 15 years, Melanie C aka Sporty Spice returned to Boston. She played a sold out show to a packed crowd on a Monday night at the Paradise Rock Club. Boston is the fifth stop on the North American leg of her World Tour. Sur Back supported her as the Opening Act.
At 9 pm, Mel C kicked off the show with “Undefeated Champion” from her latest album, “Sweat” in a boxer’s robe and athlete’s shorts and long sleeve crop top. Accompanied by her live band, her setlist included: “Free To Love”, “Till It Breaks”, “Emotional Memory”, “Cashmere”, “Attitude”, “Pressure”, “Sweat”, “Touch Me”, “Flick of the Wrist”, “Good For Nothing”, “Drum Machine” and “A Place Where We Belong”.
Mel C and Her Fans
The show was not just a concert, it was a party and a celebration between Melanie and her fans. She not only acted as the main singer, but also as the Master of Ceremonies. Melanie had a way to command the audience, instructing them when to dance and when to calm down and take a breather. She even had a DJ set, showing off her spin and mixing skills.
First off, Mel C’s level of energy is phenomenal as she sings and dances around the stage for 1 hour and half. I don’t think I heard her even take a breath. She is called Sporty Spice for a reason. On top of that, she had multiple costume changes. Mel C first changes to her signature sporty spice outfit of an orange tank top and blue tracksuit, then switches to her merch shirt - “Sporty Says Sweat” then changes to a final outfit of a pink tank top and shorts with a Boston Red Sox cap. Melanie knows how to motivate a crowd. And the crowd’s enthusiasm feeds into her performance.
Second, I can see why Melanie has an amazing longevity in the music business. She is incredibly humble and unapologetically her authentic self. She is thankful for her fanbase who absolutely love and adore her. I saw a few posters and t-shirts that says “Sporty Saved My Life”. Moreover, her music and lyrics are so uplifting. Her songs, particularly this tour’s setlist, focus on taking power back, overcoming challenges, letting go and having fun. Melanie was shocked seeing the crowd knew the lyrics to the songs of her latest album. I understand why she chose a club size instead of an arena or theater so she could be closer to the fans.
Favorite Songs
My favorite parts are definitely Melanie’s performance of two Spice Girls songs: “Spice Up Your Life” and “Who Do You Think You Are?” She brought back 90s nostalgia and the crowd just erupted, danced and sang the familiar lyrics with her.
While the majority of Melanie’s setlist are uptempo dance songs, I enjoyed her midtempo slower songs where she just stands in front of the microphone and belts it all out. Particularly “Here It Comes Again” off her second album, “Reason”. She dedicated the performance to her daughter, Scarlett. The song is honestly a banger and really shows Melanie’s vocal range especially when she hits the high notes.
My second favorite was “Never Be The Same Again”, the duet with the late Lisa Left-Eye Lopez off her debut album, “Northern Star”. During the show, Melanie chose to perform the song in an acoustic style, allowing her vocal range to shine again, beginning with soft vocals to the high vocals. She also invited a fan onstage to perform Lisa’s rap and he actually did a great job. He knew every word to the song.
She closed the show with her major hit, “I Turn To You”, a perfect ending to the show, leaving the audience on a high positive note.
Verdict
Overall, Melanie delivered a wonderful concert. I hope she comes back to the states and performs again with a longer setlist. I hope she adds more songs from her older albums like “Carolyna”, "Northern Star”, “Drown”, “Burn”, and “First Day of My Life”.
