Geri Halliwell-Horner becomes the first Spice Girl to receive an honorary doctorate
Congratulations! 🎊
Last updated 23rd Nov 2022
What a month it's been for Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, or should we say Doctor Geri Halliwell-Horner! The singer, who held a delayed birthday party earlier this month to celebrate her 50th, and celebrated 25 years of 'Spiceworld', has now been awarded an honorary doctorate, giving her the title of Doctor.
Geri attended the ceremony at Sheffield Hallam University, alongside more than 8,000 students, who are graduating from the university throughout this month.
The university shared photos from the occasion giving details of her doctorate saying it was awarded: 'in recognition of her commitment to raising the aspirations of children and young people, advocating for women’s rights and an outstanding contribution to the music industry over the last 25 years'.
On receiving her award during the ceremony, Geri said: "It is a great privilege to receive this honorary award from Sheffield Hallam University. I sincerely believe education is a superpower – we are learning machines and I am still learning. I’ve learnt that students here at Sheffield Hallam graduate with more than a degree, but with a passion, a focus and a vision for life. You remind us that it’s not just about making a living but about making a difference, to be true to yourselves and do what you love."
The singer went on to say: "I was studying A-level English literature before I embarked on a different kind of adventure, so I didn’t go to university – but I always valued my education and my love of reading, storytelling and words.
"I always had my education to lean on. Education is power. It gives confidence and opens eyes, hearts and minds. Sheffield Hallam University, I look forward to our future endeavours. Congratulations to all the graduates. Whatever you do I wish you success and the best."
Back in June when the news was first announced Geri took to Twitter to share a photo captioned: 'It’s out there DR HALLIWELL-HORNER -SO HAPPY AND PROUD!!!!' (sic).
Geri started her music career as part of the iconic 90s girl group Spice Girls, before going on to release some solo music, and acting. Most recently confirming she will appear in the new Gran Turismo film, also starring Stranger Things' David Harbour.
Congratulations Dr Geri!
You can hear brilliant throwbacks on heat radio including many by the Spice Girls.
Take a look through Spice Girls through the years:
Spice Girls
The Spice Girls formed in 1994 after replying to an advert posted in a trade magazine looking for singers and dancers.
'Wannabe'
In 1996, the Spice Girls released their debut single 'Wannabe' which reached Number 1 in the UK and was certified 2x Platinum in the UK.
'Spice'
In November 1996, the debut album from the Spice Girls 'Spice' was released. It went to Number 1 around the world and was certified 10× Platinum in the UK.
'2 become 1'
'2 Become 1' was the Spice Girls' first Christmas Number 1. Moving away from their upbeat pop, '2 Become 1' was a slow pop ballad, which sold over 1,200,000 copies, certifying it 2x Platinum in the UK.
Geri Halliwell's iconic Union Jack dress
The Spice Girls gave an iconic performance at the BRIT Awards in 1997, singing 'Who Do You Think You Are' - also known as when Geri Halliwell wore THAT Union Jack dress which is influential to this day.
Spice Girls won multiple BRIT Awards
Over the years, the Spice Girls have won multiple BRIT Awards including Best British Single for 'Wannabe' and Best British Video for 'Say You'll Be There' in 1997. They also picked up, the Outstanding Contribution Award in 2000.
'Spiceworld' (album)
'Spiceworld' was the Spice Girls' second studio album to be released in 1997. As before, it was incredibly popular and went to Number 1 around the world, selling over 1.5 million copies in the UK.
Spice World (film)
In 1997, Spice World the film was released. The girls promoted their film at the annual Cannes film festival held in the South of France.
The film starred all five members of the group along with Richard E. Grant, Claire Rushbrook, Naoko Mori, Meat Loaf, Barry Humphries, and Alan Cumming.
'Too Much'
'Too Much' became the Spice Girls' second Christmas Number 1 in the UK. The girls' fifth single went Platinum, selling 682,000 copies and stayed at the top for two weeks.
Geri left the Spice Girls
In May 1997, Geri left the Spice Girls. In a statement released through her solicitor, she said, "Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I'm sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best."
'Goodbye'
'Goodbye' was the group's third consecutive Christmas Number 1, this time as a quartet. The girls became the first act to have three consecutive Christmas Number 1s since The Beatles in 1965.
Spiceworld Tour
The Spice Girls took to the road on their 'Spiceworld' Tour. Starting in Ireland and the UK with Geri, in February 1998, they continued after she left at the end of May, to mainland Europe and the USA.
Christmas in Spiceworld Tour
This eight-day tour saw the Spice Girls (without Geri) perform in Manchester and London in December 1999.
'Forever' (album)
The Spice Girls' third and - as yet - final studio album 'Forever' was released in 2000 and spawned singles 'Goodbye' and the double A-side 'Holler'/'Let Love Lead the Way'.
The Return of the Spice Girls tour
In 2007, the Spice Girls reunited as a group of five, and went on their 'The Return of the Spice Girls' tour. They performed across the UK, mainland Europe and the USA.
Spice Girls perform at the Olympics
The Spice Girls reunited once again in 2012 for the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics. Their spectacular performance saw them standing on top to black cabs whilst they were singing.
GEM - mini reunion
In 2016, on the 20th anniversary of 'Wannabe', Emma, Mel B and Geri had a mini-reunion. They posted a video saying they would be back under a different name - GEM (named after their collective initials). Despite this video, nothing was released.
Spice Girls reunite in 2018
In 2018, Spice Girls fans all over the world went wild when it was confirmed that all five of the Spice Girls had met up at Geri's house, along with their former manager Simon Fuller.
Since the initial meeting back in February there have been continued rumours that we could see a full reunion.
2019 tour
Off the back of their reunion on 2018, the Spice Girls - minus Posh Spice - embarked on a nationwide tour sell-out performing all of of their greatest hits.
2020 pandemic
In the 2020 global coronavirus pandemic, the girls tried their best to unite fans on social media and posted endless throwback videos of better times.
2021: Celebrating 25 years
In October 2021, to celebrate 25 years since the release of their debut album, Spice, the girls released a deluxe edition of the album featuring bonus tracks, b-sides and previously unheard recordings. Curated by the band, 'Spice25' was released as a 2CD set inside an A5 hardback book.
2022: Spice Girls TV documentary
All five members of the Spice Girls will be reuniting for a TV documentary made by the same team behind Netflix's Emmy-winning Michael Jordan series The Last Dance.
They have also teased Spiceworld25, with Mel C telling OK! magazine: "You need to stay tuned to hear more. There will be big celebrations in the coming months, I can say that."
2022: Spice Girls re-released 'Spiceworld' to celebrate its 25th anniversary
Celebrating their second album's 25th anniversary, Spice Girls re-released 'Spiceworld' with extra material. They also released a brand new music video, an alternative version to 'Spice Up Your Life'.
2023: Melanie C reveals that 'all' the Spice Girls would like to perform at Glastonbury
Melanie C got fans excited about the prospect of a potential future Spice Girls reunion by confirming that 'all' members of the band would like to perform at Glastonbury. Melanie performed at the iconic festival in 2023.
She said: "All of the Spice Girls would like to play Glasto, that is the truth. Like I said to the audience on Saturday night, doing a couple of Spice Girls songs, 'A bit of a warm-up for next year?'
"They're rehearsed, they know the words, they're ready. So, if I can drag the other girls along...I say 'drag' the other girls along - all of the Spice Girls would like to play Glasto, that is the truth."
2024: Spice Girls stamps
In January 2024, a series of Spice Girls stamps was released. The stamps include individual stamps for each member of the group and group shots from iconic performances such as The BRITs in 1997 and the 2012 Olympics in London.
Now read:
Fans go wild as Spice Girls reunite for Geri Horner's 50th birthday bash
Spice Girls' album 'Spiceworld' re-released for 25th anniversary