Geri Halliwell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Geri Halliwell
Halliwell in 2019
Born	Geraldine Estelle Halliwell (1972-08-06) 6 August 1972 (age 53) Watford, Hertfordshire, England
Other names	Geri Horner Ginger Spice
Occupation	Singer songwriter television personality author actress
Years active	1994–present
Spouse(s)	Christian Horner ​ (m. 2015)​
Children	2
Musical career
Genres	Pop dance-pop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Virgin EMI Capitol Innocent Sony Music Australia Eastwest

Geri Halliwell-Horner, born Geraldine Estelle Halliwell on August 6, 1972, is a famous English singer, songwriter, TV star, author, and actress. She became famous in the 1990s as 'Ginger Spice' in the pop group, the Spice Girls. The Spice Girls have sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling female group of all time. Their famous saying, "girl power," was often linked to Geri. Her Union Jack dress from the 1997 Brit Awards also became a very well-known symbol.

Geri left the Spice Girls in 1998, but she rejoined them for a greatest hits album in 2007. She also went on two concert tours with them: The Return of the Spice Girls (2007–2008) and Spice World (2019).

After leaving the group, Geri started a solo music career. She released her first album, Schizophonic (1999). This album included popular songs like "Mi Chico Latino", "Lift Me Up", and "Bag It Up", which all reached number one in the UK. Her second album, Scream If You Wanna Go Faster (2001), featured the hit song "It's Raining Men".

Geri has also been a judge on TV talent shows, such as Popstars: The Rivals (2002) and Australia's Got Talent (2013). She has acted in movies like Spice World (1997) and Gran Turismo (2023). As an author, Geri has written two autobiographies and a children's book series called Ugenia Lavender (2008). She also writes a young adult novel series called Rosie Frost, which started in 2023.

Early Life and Background

Geraldine Estelle Halliwell was born on August 6, 1972, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England. Her mother is from Spain, and her father had Swedish, Finnish, English, and French roots. Geri grew up in North Watford. She went to Watford Grammar School for Girls. Before becoming a singer, Geri worked in different jobs, including as a dancer and a TV presenter.

Music Career and Spice Girls

Becoming a Spice Girl (1994–1998)

Halliwell in 2008 wearing a remake of her Union Jack dress from the 1997 Brit Awards

In 1994, Geri Halliwell, along with Melanie C, Mel B, and Victoria Beckham, answered an advertisement looking for members for a new all-girl pop group. After some changes, Geri, Melanie C, Mel B, and Victoria became part of a group called "Touch." Later, Emma Bunton joined them.

In 1995, the group changed their name to Spice Girls and signed a deal with Virgin Records. In 1996, they released their first album, Spice. This album became a huge success all over the world, reaching number one in more than 17 countries. It sold 30 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album by a girl group ever. The first song from the album, "Wannabe," was number one in 37 countries. Other songs from the album, like "Say You'll Be There" and "2 Become 1," also topped the charts in the UK.

Soon after "Wannabe" came out, each member of the group got a nickname. Geri was called "Ginger Spice" because of her red hair. The phrase "girl power" was strongly linked to Geri. She often used a V sign with it. Geri explained that "girl power" means equality between all people, no matter their gender. It's about celebrating everyone's unique qualities and pushing for fairness.

In 1997, the group released their second album, Spiceworld. Its first two songs, "Spice Up Your Life" and "Too Much," reached number one in the UK. This made it seven number-one songs in a row for the group, which was a record. The album sold 20 million copies worldwide. The Spice Girls also starred in their own movie, Spiceworld: The Movie, which made $100 million around the world.

On May 31, 1998, Geri announced she was leaving the Spice Girls. The group continued their tour without her. Geri was still featured in two more Spice Girls releases that were planned before she left. These included the song "(How Does It Feel to Be) On Top of the World" for the England national football team and the music video for "Viva Forever." The Spice Girls are one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, having sold over 75 million albums.

Solo Success and New Projects (1999–2012)

Halliwell performing "It's Raining Men", her fourth number-one single, on the Return of The Spice Girls Tour

In 1999, Geri started her solo career with her first album, Schizophonic. The first song, "Look at Me," was a big hit. Other songs like "Mi Chico Latino," "Lift Me Up," and "Bag It Up" all reached number one in the UK. The album itself reached number four in the UK and sold 600,000 copies there. It sold over two million copies worldwide. Geri was nominated for two BRIT Awards in 2000.

In October 1999, Geri released her autobiography, If Only, where she shared her experiences as a Spice Girl. She gave the money she received for the book to a breast cancer charity.

In 2001, Geri released her second album, Scream If You Wanna Go Faster. This album reached number five in the UK. Her cover of "It's Raining Men" became a huge hit worldwide, reaching number one in the UK and the top 10 in over 27 countries. It was Geri's biggest hit song. She also released two yoga DVDs.

In 2002, Geri was a judge on the TV show Popstars: The Rivals, which created the group Girls Aloud. She also appeared on the TV series ... and the City in 2003.

Halliwell at a book signing in 2008

In 2004, Geri returned to music with the song "Ride It," which reached number four in the UK. Her album Passion was released in 2005.

On April 12, 2007, Geri announced she had signed a deal to write six children's books. The series, called Ugenia Lavender, follows the adventures of a nine-year-old girl named Ugenia. The books sold over 250,000 copies in their first five months.

On June 29, 2007, the Spice Girls reunited for a tour and released a Greatest Hits album. They also appeared in TV advertisements. In 2009, Geri appeared in the film Crank: High Voltage. In 2010 and 2012, she was a guest judge on The X Factor.

Music Return and Second Spice Girls Reunion (2012–2019)

Halliwell during Spice World – 2019 Tour, June 2019

In 2012, Geri reunited with the Spice Girls to perform at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London. The group also helped create a musical based on their songs called Viva Forever!.

In April 2013, Geri became a judge on Australia's Got Talent. On October 3, 2013, she released her first solo song in almost eight years, "Half of Me", in Australia.

In July 2016, Geri, Mel B, and Emma Bunton released a video celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Wannabe." However, their reunion project was later cancelled when Geri announced her pregnancy. In March 2017, Geri presented a documentary called Geri's 90s: My Drive to Freedom. In June 2017, she released a charity song, "Angels in Chains," as a tribute to George Michael.

On November 5, 2018, the Spice Girls announced their Spice World – 2019 Tour. Victoria Beckham did not join this tour.

Recent Work (2020–Present)

In November 2020, Geri launched her own YouTube series called Rainbow Woman. In this series, Geri takes part in different adventures. In August 2021, she had a voice role in an animated short movie.

Geri was in the cast of the 2023 film Gran Turismo, playing the wife of Djimon Hounsou. The movie was released in August 2023 and earned $122 million worldwide.

In October 2022, Geri announced a new book deal for a young adult novel called Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen. The story is about an orphan who discovers a family secret on a special island. The book was released on October 3, 2023. To promote the book, Geri also released two original songs, "Ghost in My House" and "Beautiful Life." She also read a story on CBeebies Bedtime Stories.

A second Rosie Frost novel, Rosie Frost: Ice on Fire, is planned for release in April 2025. Geri has shared that the rights to turn the Rosie Frost series into films or a TV show have been bought. The first book became a New York Times Bestseller.

Other Activities

Fashion

In 2010, Geri worked with the British store Next to create a swimwear collection called "Geri by Next." In 2012, she released a clothing line inspired by her famous 1997 Union Jack dress.

Charity Work

In 1998, Geri became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She traveled to different countries, like Zambia and Nepal, to help raise awareness about important issues such as reducing maternal deaths and stopping violence against women.

In 2015, Geri was in talks to help set up a new school in north London that would focus on arts and business. She believes that education is a basic human right that everyone deserves.

Political Views

Geri has shared her thoughts on politics. In 1997, she admired Margaret Thatcher, saying she was an inspiration for "girl power." By 2001, Geri supported Tony Blair and the Labour Party.

In 2007, Geri said she was a feminist but wanted to change how people saw feminism, making it seem more glamorous. After Margaret Thatcher passed away in 2013, Geri paid tribute to her, saying she admired her courage. In 2019, Geri also said she admired Winston Churchill.

In 2022, Geri was seen with Conservative Party politicians Nadine Dorries and Liz Truss.

Personal Life

Halliwell and Horner in London in April 2016

Geri Halliwell has a daughter, born in May 2006. Her godmothers are Victoria Beckham and Emma Bunton.

Geri started dating Christian Horner, who is the team principal of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team, in 2014. They got engaged in November 2014 and were married on May 15, 2015, in Woburn, Bedfordshire. Geri and Christian welcomed their son on January 21, 2017.

Geri has spoken about her past health struggles and how motherhood helped her develop a healthier relationship with food. She has also shared that she became a Christian.

Geri's brother, Max, passed away in November 2021 at age 54.

In 2022, Geri received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University. She is a supporter of Watford F.C., a football club.

Discography

• Schizophonic (1999)
• Scream If You Wanna Go Faster (2001)
• Passion (2005)

Filmography

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Geri Halliwell para niños