Throughout the decades, some of the most iconic girl groups have graced the stages performing the world’s most beloved hits. From “No Scrubs” to “Say My Name”, these jams are and will forever be certified classics! Let's revisit some of the best girl groups of all time that defined their generation!
1. The Supremes
After signing to Motown in 1961, the trio made up of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard changed the face of music! Some of the group’s No.1 hits include “Where Did Our Love Go”, “Stop! In the Name of Love”, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”, and “Baby Love”. The Supremes were the first all-female group to reach No.1 on the Billboard 200 with their album, Supremes A’ Go-Go! Famously known for their soulful tunes, the group’s elegant style also made a mark in fashion. Dressed in unison in the most glamorous fabrics, The Supremes defined the Motown era and were fashion icons in the ‘60s. Last year, the group was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys!
2. TLC
Known for their blend of rap and smooth vocals, TLC found its success with their iconic '90s hits such as “No Scrubs”, “Creep”, and “Waterfalls”. The trio – Tionne Watkins ("T Boz"), Lisa Lopes ("Left Eye"), and Rozonda Thomas ("Chilli") -- was formed in Atlanta in 1991. TLC sold over 85 million albums, produced 9 hits in the top 10 of the Hot 100, received Diamond Certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for their CrazySexyCool album, had 4 multi-platinum albums, and won over 35 major awards!
3. Destiny’s Child
After hitting the scene in the late-‘90s with “Say My Name”, “Bills, Bills, Bills”, and “Jumpin’ Jumpin’”, Destiny’s Child was originally a group of four before becoming a final trio with Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. The girl group earned over 100 major awards, produced 5 studio albums – with The Writing's on the Wall earning them 6 Grammy nominations – and currently has over 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The icons recorded their last work as a group in 2005 but made appearances together in Beyoncé’s music video “Superpower” in 2013, at the 2014 Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show, and most recently in 2018 at Beyoncé’s Coachella performance!
4. Spice Girls
As a global phenomenon, the Spice Girls – Victoria Beckham ("Posh Spice"), Geri Halliwell ("Ginger Spice"), Emma Burton ("Baby Spice"), Melanie Chisholm, ("Sporty Spice"), and Melanie Brown ("Scary Spice") – are the best-selling female group of all time. Their 1996 debut album, Spice, featured hit singles such as “Wannabe”, “Say You’ll Be There”, and “2 Become 1”, which topped No.1 on album charts in over 17 countries! According to Marie Claire, “Wannabe” was written in 10 minutes and the music video was filmed in one shot! Even though it’s been over two decades since the group’s split, the pop stars’ extravagant self-expression, female empowerment, and fashion-forward style will live on forever!
5. The Pussycat Dolls
Formed by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995, The Pussycat Dolls were originally a burlesque group, performing to popular tracks from the ‘50s and ‘60s dressed in retro pin-up costumes. After signing a development deal with Interscope Records in 2003, Nicole Scherzinger, Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Melody Thornton, and Kimberly Wyatt officially became the pop group we know them as today! They went on to produce smashing hit singles such as “Don’t Cha”, “When I Grow Up”, and “Buttons”, which climbed to top spots on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The Dolls were no strangers to successful collaborations either, which included Cee Lo Green, Busta Rhymes, will.i.am, and Timbaland. Back in 2020, a reunion tour was set to launch but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fingers crossed the world can see the dolls again soon!