Mel C slammed by viewers for ‘bad karaoke’ and ‘Aerobics Oz Style’ performance as Spice Girls star headlines ABC’s New Year’s Eve: ‘We want our taxpayer money back’

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Mel C kicked off the new year with an exciting performance as the headliner for ABC’s New Year’s Eve broadcast on Wednesday night.

The former Spice Girl took the stage in Sydney to ring in 2026 ahead of the midnight fireworks. 

Melanie Chisholm, known as Mel, performed her popular songs, including classics like “Never Be the Same Again” and her latest release, “Sweat.”

Oh my gosh, it was incredible! She performed a bunch of Spice Girls hits – classics like ‘2 Become 1’ and ‘Spice Up Your Life’! I was totally singing along with everyone.

The live audience seemed to love the high-energy show, but people watching at home didn’t feel the same way.

Many people were upset that the publicly funded network spent a lot of money to have the British pop star perform at the event.

One user on X expressed outrage over the cost of a 20-minute performance by Mel C, questioning how much public funds were spent and demanding a refund of taxpayer money.

Someone commented that Mel C, a former Spice Girl, embodies everything that’s wrong with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). They claimed taxpayers funded her appearance, but also acknowledged she’s in good shape for her age (52).

Another said: ‘This is just bad karaoke by Sporty Spice, how much did our taxes pay for this crap?’

‘I really had hope for Mel. How can you ruin your own song?’ complained someone else. 

Someone commented that everyone was hoping Mel C would perform some great songs, but she chose ‘Never Be the Same Again,’ which they felt perfectly reflected their feelings about how disappointing the performance was.

‘Nup. Sporty has not saved this s**t show. Weak vocals,’ someone else said. 

Many viewers commented that Mel’s performance, complete with her athletic outfit, brought to mind the popular Australian television show, Aerobics Oz Style, which was on air from the 1980s to the 2000s.

‘Let’s see in the new year with… Aerobics Oz Style,’ said one person. 

‘Feel like I’m in a 90s aerobics class. Aaaaaaand GRAPEVINE LADIES!!!’ joked another viewer. 

‘Oz Style Aerobics wasn’t on my bingo card but it’s the same venue,’ said someone else. 

Some tuning in at home enjoyed Mel’s efforts, however. 

One fan simply wrote, “Mel C is still fantastic!”, while another declared her performance superior to Robbie Williams’ from the previous year.

Before her show, Mel hinted that the Spice Girls, the popular 90s Britpop group, might be getting back together after a long time.

The performer shared these thoughts in an interview before taking the stage for her New Year’s Eve show at Sydney Harbour on Thursday.

Mel expressed how proud she was to have been in the Spice Girls and highlighted the group’s incredible success, including nine number-one hits in the UK.

During ABC’s New Year’s Eve broadcast, Zan Rowe interviewed Mel about the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Spice Girls in 2026.

‘I feel really proud of everything that we did,’ she gushed and continued:

It’s amazing to see new generations discovering the Spice Girls and enjoying what we created. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the group, and it would be fantastic to find a way to celebrate that legacy.

Elsewhere in the chat, Mel C said she was ‘honoured’ to help usher in the New Year Down Under.

She expressed her excitement about being there, saying it was the perfect place to perform. She also promised to give the show her absolute all.

It’s a true honor, and as Brits, we really notice how you all celebrate. You’re among the first to ring in the New Year globally.

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2025-12-31 16:48