Emma Bunton reveals Simon Cowell had doubts about whether the Spice Girls would be successful and now 'kicks himself'
Emma Bunton has revealed that Simon Cowell had doubts about whether the Spice Girls would be successful. The music mogul, 66, is responsible for the success of some of the world's biggest bands through his talent scouting shows, notably One Direction and Little Mix.But one band he missed the mark one was Spice Girls, with Baby Spice Emma admitting he didn't think the band would work - revealing Simon now 'kicks himself'. Emma made the confession on the latest episode of her podcast Unlikely Friends, which she presents with her husband Jade Jones, and comedian Leigh Francis and his wife Jill. Leigh, formerly known as Keith Lemon, asked: 'Did you have anyone saying to you, "no, you aren't going to make it"?'Emma replied: 'I think along the way, there was you know, probably a few people we met along the way. Actually, I think it's a known fact that Simon Cowell was like "oh I don't know if this will work". Emma Bunton has revealed that Simon Cowell had doubts about whether the Spice Girls would be successful One band Simon missed the mark on was Spice Girls, with Baby Spice Emma admitting he didn't think the band would work - revealing he now 'kicks himself' (Simon seen in December)'And yeah he does say he kicks himself now.'She added: 'But I think we were so positive, as you know, friends, and nothing was gonna stop us.'It comes as Emma marked her milestone 50th birthday live on air as her Spice Girls bandmates wished her a Happy Birthday in sweet tributes.The eternally youthful and youngest of the girl group, Baby Spice kicked off her celebrations live on Heart FM as she anchored their breakfast show in place of Amanda Holden.During the show, her co-host Jamie Theakston presented her with a Colin the Caterpillar cake as her birthday tributes started to flood in on social media.Amid the recent social media storm with her estranged son Brooklyn Beckham, Victoria was one of the first to publicly wish Emma a Happy Birthday.Posting to her Instagram stories, Victoria, 51, shared a throwback snap of Emma on her shoulders as they boasted big smiles during happier times.She captioned the black and white picture: 'Happy Birthday @emmaleebunton, I love you so much!!' Leigh Francis, formerly known as Keith Lemon, asked: 'Did you have anyone saying to you, "no, you aren't going to make it"?' Emma said of Spice Girls: 'But I think we were so positive, as you know, friends, and nothing was gonna stop us' (Spice Girls seen in 1997)Victoria also reshared a clip of Emma singing during their 1996 Say You'll Be There music video.Meanwhile, Mel B shared her own tribute to Emma, telling her followers how she will always be 'baby' to her.The 50-year-old penned alongside pictures: 'My dear ‘BUNTON’ you will always be BABY to me even though you are now the big 50!!!!!!! Happy Birthday I Love you lots and lots and lots!!!'Geri Halliwell, 53, also posted: 'Happy 50th birthday! love you so much, you are such a special person with the biggest heart - grateful to have you in my life wishing you so much joy and love.'Mel C - aka Sporty Spice - shared a video montage of memories with Emma as she wrote: 'We have experienced so much together since that day we picked you up in Geri’s battered Fiat Uno at Maidenhead station, the day that changed everything. I love you with all of my heart. It comes as Emma marked her milestone 50th birthday live on air as her Spice Girls bandmates wished her a Happy Birthday in sweet tributes 'Always there for me and everyone in your life you’re the most incredible Mum, bandmate and friend. Happy Birthday my love, I can’t wait to celebrate you!!!! Have the best day, month and 50th year!! LOVE YOU BABY!'Last week Victoria sparked feud rumours with Geri by not including her in a birthday tribute to Mel C.Mother-of-two Emma is married to Damage frontman Jade. They tied the knot in 2021 following a 23-year courtship and are parents to Beau, 18 and Tate, 14.
