Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’ Came Out 30 Years Ago: Celebrate With 10 Wild Covers of the Pop Classic

On Friday (June 26), the Spice Girls’ breakthrough smash “Wannabe” turns 30. Every ’90s kid who became hooked on its infectious bubblegum pop sound, universal themes of friendship and solidarity and the mystery of the zig-a-zig-ah in the summer of ’96 or start of ’97 (depending which side of the Atlantic you’re on) will be dusting off the platform boots or breaking out a backflip in honor.  

Three decades on, it’s difficult to comprehend just how much of a juggernaut the quintet’s debut single was. It topped the charts in 22 countries (going No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks in early 1997), won at the MTV VMAs and BRIT Awards and made the group a household name. A study conducted by the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry and University of Amsterdam found that “Wannabe” was the catchiest hit of the past 60 years. Furthermore, it paved the way for a whole new generation of all-female acts, foreshadowed the teen-pop boom of Y2K and inspired a wave of fandom not seen since The Beatles. All in less than three minutes.

It’s little wonder, therefore, that “Wannabe” has been covered by artists from across the musical spectrum. Foo Fighters, DNCE and Fifth Harmony have all performed it on stage. The casts of Glee, Chicken Little and One Tree Hill have helped to immortalize it on screen. And it’s been treated to a dramatic reading by Eva Longoria, a Carpool Karaoke by Adele and even a bizarre tribute by five electric toothbrushes. Here’s a look at 10 of the best covers committed to record.