05-31-98: Geri's vocals thrown out for third album -- Washington Post
Just to make it clear that Ginger Spice is no longer part of the group, her vocal tracks for the next Spice Girls album have been tossed out. The upcoming album will feature just four Spice Girls since Geri Halliwell announced her resignation Sunday. "Fans shouldn't expect Geri to be part of the third Spice Girls album in any shape or form," said a source."Ginger" Spice may have quit Britain's famed all-girl quintet but she's still very much with them in the Thai version -- a group of transsexuals known as the Spice Gays. Akanit Ratanavich, or "Pretty," mimics Ginger in a red wig, black hot pants and low-cut gown over a pair of implanted breasts as the group lip-syncs Spice Girls' numbers at a Bangkok theater. "Pop fans everywhere might be disappointed with Ginger's decision to quit the group," said the 24-year-old Ratanavich, who underwent a sex change operation five years ago, "but this Ginger will be with the show for good." While the four remaining Spice Girls continue to do their thing, today's Washington Post speculates as to who might pick up the slack as Halliwell's replacement. The paper's suggestions: Bob Hope ("Old Spice"), Camille Paglia ("Snarly Spice"), Courtney Love ("Smack Spice") and Martha Stewart ("Really Scary Spice").