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0 / 31 Fotos
Little Mix
- As opposed to boy bands, where the biggest bands of the modern era are out of the US, for girl groups the UK reigns supreme. More recently, we've seen 'X Factor' winners Little Mix breaking several records that were previously held by the Spice Girls. Although Little Mix are part of the new generation, they were together for almost a decade! In 2021, remaining members Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall have announced that they would be taking a well-deserved break after their 10-year anniversary. The group went on hiatus after the conclusion of their Confetti tour in May 2022. The girls insist that this isn't the end of Little Mix: "We are not splitting up - Little Mix are here to stay. We have plans for more music, tours and performances in the future. We’ve made so many incredible memories with you all, and we can’t wait to make so many more."
© Getty Images
1 / 31 Fotos
Girls Aloud - This British-Irish group came together on talent show 'Popstars: The Rivals' in 2002. Simply huge in the UK, Guinness World Records also considered them the "Most Successful Reality TV Group" in 2007 and 2011. The band broke up in 2013.
© Getty Images
2 / 31 Fotos
Sugababes - 'Freak Like Me' and 'Round Round,' anyone? With different lineups over the years, the Sugababes have been around since 1998. They took a break starting in 2012, but a reunion looks like it's in the works.
© Getty Images
3 / 31 Fotos
Atomic Kitten - Another band with different lineups since being founded in 1998, Atomic Kitten is best known for 'Whole Again' and covers of 'Eternal Flame' and 'The Tide Is High.' Despite breaks over the years, the band has been touring again since 2013.
© Getty Images
4 / 31 Fotos
B*Witched - B*Witched is actually an Irish band, but their overseas success is largely thanks to the Second British Invasion. Known for hits like 'C'est la Vie' and 'Rollercoaster,' the group split in 2002, but reunited in 2012.
© Getty Images
5 / 31 Fotos
Spice Girls - Do they even need an introduction? The Spice Girls are the best-selling female group of all time, and icons of the '90s. After breaking up in 2000, there have been reunions of sorts over the years, most recently with a tour in 2019 (but sans Victoria Beckham).
© Getty Images
6 / 31 Fotos
All Saints - This British-Canadian group actually formed just before the Spice Girls. They've had different lineups, but it's with their core four that they had their biggest hits, such as 'Never Ever' and 'Pure Shores.' They split in 2001, got back together from 2006 to 2008, and have been releasing new music and touring together again since 2014.
© Getty Images
7 / 31 Fotos
Bananarama - Originally a trio, the group formed back in 1981 with members Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey. Today, Dallin and Woodward continue Bananarama as a duo, although the original trio did tour together as recently as 2018.
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
Fifth Harmony - Making our way to the United States now, Fifth Harmony, the biggest American girl group of the last decade, got together after they auditioned as solo contestants for the US version of 'X Factor.' Camila Cabello left the band in 2016, and then in 2018 Fifth Harmony went on an indefinite hiatus.
© Getty Images
9 / 31 Fotos
Girlicious - A result of the show 'Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious,' the band formed in 2007. They were brought together by Robin Antin, creator of the Pussycat Dolls. But despite being an American band, they were, oddly, much more successful in Canada. The group split in 2011.
© Getty Images
10 / 31 Fotos
The Pussycat Dolls - Speaking of The Pussycat Dolls, what started as a burlesque troupe in 1995 transitioned into a girl group in 2003, with Nicole Scherzinger as their lead vocalist. Scherzinger had previously been part of another girl group—Eden's Crush. The Pussycat Dolls split in 2010, but have now come together again.
© Getty Images
11 / 31 Fotos
Danity Kane - Continuing with the theme of band's formed through reality shows, we have Danity Kane. Brought together on 'Making the Band,' they were signed to Bad Boy Records by Diddy, producing hits like 'Damaged.' Splitting in 2009, they reunited twice as a trio, which they remain today.
© Getty Images
12 / 31 Fotos
3LW - Back in 1999, 3LW (3 Little Women) formed, soon releasing their debut single, 'No More (Baby I'ma Do Right),' with 'Playas Gon' Play' soon following. Naturi Naughton left the band in 2002, and as for fellow original members Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams, they would perform together again as part of the Disney girl group The Cheetah Girls.
© Getty Images
13 / 31 Fotos
Dream - Remarkably, the members of Dream were only 14-16 years old at the height of their fame. Signed to Bad Boy Records, they're best known for their debut single, 'He Loves U Not.' The band split in 2003, but briefly reunited from 2015 to 2016.
© Getty Images
14 / 31 Fotos
Xscape - Interestingly, this group's standout members Kandi Burruss (now of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' fame) and Tameka "Tiny" Cottle (who is married to rapper T.I.) helped co-write TLC's 'No Scrubs.' Xscape's first run was from 1992 to 1998. They've reunited a couple of times since, but are back as XSCAP3 as of 2017 (minus Burruss).
© Getty Images
15 / 31 Fotos
Destiny's Child
- Before Queen Bey moved on to dominating the music industry as a solo artist, she was of course part of supergroup Destiny's Child, whose most famous lineup was the trio completed by Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. The group split in 2006, but they've performed together a few times since.
© Getty Images
16 / 31 Fotos
TLC - Formed in 1990, at the time the group was made up of Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas (hence, TLC). The band is actually the best-selling US girl group of the modern era. TLC continues to this day, with T-Boz and Chilli going ahead as a duo after Left Eye's tragic death in 2002.
© Getty Images
17 / 31 Fotos
En Vogue - Who can forget the hits 'My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)' and 'Don't Let Go (Love),' just to name a few? With different lineups since forming in 1989, the group still continue to make new music and tour.
© Getty Images
18 / 31 Fotos
SWV - SWV (Sisters With Voices) are known for hits like 'Weak' and 'Right Here.' After breaking up in 1998, the group reunited in 2005 and are still going strong.
© Getty Images
19 / 31 Fotos
Salt-N-Pepa - 'What a Man' with En Vogue was just one of Salt-N-Pepa's hits, with others including 'Push It' and 'Shoop.' It's easy to confuse the band for a duo, which they actually are now, but don't forget that DJ Spinderella was around for the vast majority of the group's run. After splitting in 2002, Salt-N-Pepa are back as of 2005.
© Getty Images
20 / 31 Fotos
Wilson Phillips - Talent is in their blood: Carnie and Wendy Wilson are the daughters of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, while Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas. They had a major hit with 'Hold On,' this during their first run as a band from 1989 to 1992. They briefly reunited in 2004, and have been back at it again since 2010.
© Getty Images
21 / 31 Fotos
Sister Sledge - We're taking you all the way back to 1971 for this one. Originally made up of sisters Debbie, Kim, Kathy, and Joni Sledge (1956-2017), the group is responsible for hits like 'We Are Family.' Somewhat surprisingly, this US band hit it big in the UK some time after their popularity dwindled down at home. Debbie and Kim still perform together, adding Tanya Tiet to the group in 2012.
© Getty Images
22 / 31 Fotos
The Pointer Sisters - Another group of American sisters, The Pointer Sisters are responsible for major hits like 'Jump (For My Love)' and 'I'm So Excited.' Bonnie left the group in 1977, and June sadly passed away in 2006. Ruth's daughter (Issa) and granddaughter (Sadako) have since joined the band. As of 2016, original band member Anita has stopped performing with the group due to health problems.
© Getty Images
23 / 31 Fotos
The Supremes - 'Baby Love' and 'Stop! In the Name of Love' are iconic songs, and The Supremes have so many more. What else can you say about the group that gave the world Diana Ross and were Motown's biggest act? How about that they're still America's most successful vocal group ever?
© Getty Images
24 / 31 Fotos
The Shirelles - Formed shortly before The Supremes, this band is often credited with launching the girl group genre. Their hits 'Tonight's the Night' and 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' have been considered two of the greatest songs of all time.
© Getty Images
25 / 31 Fotos
The Andrews Sisters - While The Shirelles might have perfected the genre, The Andrews Sisters formed much before, this in 1925. What's more, they are the best-selling American girl group of all time (they've sold at least 75 million records, with some sources claiming as much as 90 million).
© Getty Images
26 / 31 Fotos
AKB48 - Let's go a bit more international now, shall we? It's incredible to think that The Andrews Sisters helped pave the way for the likes of Japan's AKB48, who, as of October 2019, have an incredible 99 members, with as many as 205 members over the group's lifetime (they started in 2005). It's easier to understand these numbers if you consider that they're an idol girl group split into teams.
© Getty Images
27 / 31 Fotos
TWICE - The growth of K-pop is not limited to boy bands such as BTS. Groups like TWICE, who formed in 2015, are now charting in the US and have toured North America.
© Getty Images
28 / 31 Fotos
Las Ketchup - To the English-speaking world, they're largely thought of as a one-hit wonder, known for 'The Ketchup Song.' But these sisters also provided Spain's entry for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest, and were nominated for a Latin Grammy Award. While the group hasn't released new music since 2006, they still continue to perform together.
© Getty Images
29 / 31 Fotos
Bardot
- Formed in 1999 on the Australian reality show 'Popstars,' Bardot is a great example of a girl group that enjoyed huge success at home, but not in other major markets. Their debut album went number one in Australia and New Zealand but, besides in some parts of Asia, they didn't really leave a mark anywhere else. The band broke up in 2002. See also: Multiracial bands that made history.
© Getty Images
30 / 31 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 31 Fotos
Little Mix
- As opposed to boy bands, where the biggest bands of the modern era are out of the US, for girl groups the UK reigns supreme. More recently, we've seen 'X Factor' winners Little Mix breaking several records that were previously held by the Spice Girls. Although Little Mix are part of the new generation, they were together for almost a decade! In 2021, remaining members Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall have announced that they would be taking a well-deserved break after their 10-year anniversary. The group went on hiatus after the conclusion of their Confetti tour in May 2022. The girls insist that this isn't the end of Little Mix: "We are not splitting up - Little Mix are here to stay. We have plans for more music, tours and performances in the future. We’ve made so many incredible memories with you all, and we can’t wait to make so many more."
© Getty Images
1 / 31 Fotos
Girls Aloud - This British-Irish group came together on talent show 'Popstars: The Rivals' in 2002. Simply huge in the UK, Guinness World Records also considered them the "Most Successful Reality TV Group" in 2007 and 2011. The band broke up in 2013.
© Getty Images
2 / 31 Fotos
Sugababes - 'Freak Like Me' and 'Round Round,' anyone? With different lineups over the years, the Sugababes have been around since 1998. They took a break starting in 2012, but a reunion looks like it's in the works.
© Getty Images
3 / 31 Fotos
Atomic Kitten - Another band with different lineups since being founded in 1998, Atomic Kitten is best known for 'Whole Again' and covers of 'Eternal Flame' and 'The Tide Is High.' Despite breaks over the years, the band has been touring again since 2013.
© Getty Images
4 / 31 Fotos
B*Witched - B*Witched is actually an Irish band, but their overseas success is largely thanks to the Second British Invasion. Known for hits like 'C'est la Vie' and 'Rollercoaster,' the group split in 2002, but reunited in 2012.
© Getty Images
5 / 31 Fotos
Spice Girls - Do they even need an introduction? The Spice Girls are the best-selling female group of all time, and icons of the '90s. After breaking up in 2000, there have been reunions of sorts over the years, most recently with a tour in 2019 (but sans Victoria Beckham).
© Getty Images
6 / 31 Fotos
All Saints - This British-Canadian group actually formed just before the Spice Girls. They've had different lineups, but it's with their core four that they had their biggest hits, such as 'Never Ever' and 'Pure Shores.' They split in 2001, got back together from 2006 to 2008, and have been releasing new music and touring together again since 2014.
© Getty Images
7 / 31 Fotos
Bananarama - Originally a trio, the group formed back in 1981 with members Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey. Today, Dallin and Woodward continue Bananarama as a duo, although the original trio did tour together as recently as 2018.
© Getty Images
8 / 31 Fotos
Fifth Harmony - Making our way to the United States now, Fifth Harmony, the biggest American girl group of the last decade, got together after they auditioned as solo contestants for the US version of 'X Factor.' Camila Cabello left the band in 2016, and then in 2018 Fifth Harmony went on an indefinite hiatus.
© Getty Images
9 / 31 Fotos
Girlicious - A result of the show 'Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious,' the band formed in 2007. They were brought together by Robin Antin, creator of the Pussycat Dolls. But despite being an American band, they were, oddly, much more successful in Canada. The group split in 2011.
© Getty Images
10 / 31 Fotos
The Pussycat Dolls - Speaking of The Pussycat Dolls, what started as a burlesque troupe in 1995 transitioned into a girl group in 2003, with Nicole Scherzinger as their lead vocalist. Scherzinger had previously been part of another girl group—Eden's Crush. The Pussycat Dolls split in 2010, but have now come together again.
© Getty Images
11 / 31 Fotos
Danity Kane - Continuing with the theme of band's formed through reality shows, we have Danity Kane. Brought together on 'Making the Band,' they were signed to Bad Boy Records by Diddy, producing hits like 'Damaged.' Splitting in 2009, they reunited twice as a trio, which they remain today.
© Getty Images
12 / 31 Fotos
3LW - Back in 1999, 3LW (3 Little Women) formed, soon releasing their debut single, 'No More (Baby I'ma Do Right),' with 'Playas Gon' Play' soon following. Naturi Naughton left the band in 2002, and as for fellow original members Adrienne Bailon and Kiely Williams, they would perform together again as part of the Disney girl group The Cheetah Girls.
© Getty Images
13 / 31 Fotos
Dream - Remarkably, the members of Dream were only 14-16 years old at the height of their fame. Signed to Bad Boy Records, they're best known for their debut single, 'He Loves U Not.' The band split in 2003, but briefly reunited from 2015 to 2016.
© Getty Images
14 / 31 Fotos
Xscape - Interestingly, this group's standout members Kandi Burruss (now of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' fame) and Tameka "Tiny" Cottle (who is married to rapper T.I.) helped co-write TLC's 'No Scrubs.' Xscape's first run was from 1992 to 1998. They've reunited a couple of times since, but are back as XSCAP3 as of 2017 (minus Burruss).
© Getty Images
15 / 31 Fotos
Destiny's Child
- Before Queen Bey moved on to dominating the music industry as a solo artist, she was of course part of supergroup Destiny's Child, whose most famous lineup was the trio completed by Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. The group split in 2006, but they've performed together a few times since.
© Getty Images
16 / 31 Fotos
TLC - Formed in 1990, at the time the group was made up of Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas (hence, TLC). The band is actually the best-selling US girl group of the modern era. TLC continues to this day, with T-Boz and Chilli going ahead as a duo after Left Eye's tragic death in 2002.
© Getty Images
17 / 31 Fotos
En Vogue - Who can forget the hits 'My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)' and 'Don't Let Go (Love),' just to name a few? With different lineups since forming in 1989, the group still continue to make new music and tour.
© Getty Images
18 / 31 Fotos
SWV - SWV (Sisters With Voices) are known for hits like 'Weak' and 'Right Here.' After breaking up in 1998, the group reunited in 2005 and are still going strong.
© Getty Images
19 / 31 Fotos
Salt-N-Pepa - 'What a Man' with En Vogue was just one of Salt-N-Pepa's hits, with others including 'Push It' and 'Shoop.' It's easy to confuse the band for a duo, which they actually are now, but don't forget that DJ Spinderella was around for the vast majority of the group's run. After splitting in 2002, Salt-N-Pepa are back as of 2005.
© Getty Images
20 / 31 Fotos
Wilson Phillips - Talent is in their blood: Carnie and Wendy Wilson are the daughters of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, while Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas. They had a major hit with 'Hold On,' this during their first run as a band from 1989 to 1992. They briefly reunited in 2004, and have been back at it again since 2010.
© Getty Images
21 / 31 Fotos
Sister Sledge - We're taking you all the way back to 1971 for this one. Originally made up of sisters Debbie, Kim, Kathy, and Joni Sledge (1956-2017), the group is responsible for hits like 'We Are Family.' Somewhat surprisingly, this US band hit it big in the UK some time after their popularity dwindled down at home. Debbie and Kim still perform together, adding Tanya Tiet to the group in 2012.
© Getty Images
22 / 31 Fotos
The Pointer Sisters - Another group of American sisters, The Pointer Sisters are responsible for major hits like 'Jump (For My Love)' and 'I'm So Excited.' Bonnie left the group in 1977, and June sadly passed away in 2006. Ruth's daughter (Issa) and granddaughter (Sadako) have since joined the band. As of 2016, original band member Anita has stopped performing with the group due to health problems.
© Getty Images
23 / 31 Fotos
The Supremes - 'Baby Love' and 'Stop! In the Name of Love' are iconic songs, and The Supremes have so many more. What else can you say about the group that gave the world Diana Ross and were Motown's biggest act? How about that they're still America's most successful vocal group ever?
© Getty Images
24 / 31 Fotos
The Shirelles - Formed shortly before The Supremes, this band is often credited with launching the girl group genre. Their hits 'Tonight's the Night' and 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' have been considered two of the greatest songs of all time.
© Getty Images
25 / 31 Fotos
The Andrews Sisters - While The Shirelles might have perfected the genre, The Andrews Sisters formed much before, this in 1925. What's more, they are the best-selling American girl group of all time (they've sold at least 75 million records, with some sources claiming as much as 90 million).
© Getty Images
26 / 31 Fotos
AKB48 - Let's go a bit more international now, shall we? It's incredible to think that The Andrews Sisters helped pave the way for the likes of Japan's AKB48, who, as of October 2019, have an incredible 99 members, with as many as 205 members over the group's lifetime (they started in 2005). It's easier to understand these numbers if you consider that they're an idol girl group split into teams.
© Getty Images
27 / 31 Fotos
TWICE - The growth of K-pop is not limited to boy bands such as BTS. Groups like TWICE, who formed in 2015, are now charting in the US and have toured North America.
© Getty Images
28 / 31 Fotos
Las Ketchup - To the English-speaking world, they're largely thought of as a one-hit wonder, known for 'The Ketchup Song.' But these sisters also provided Spain's entry for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest, and were nominated for a Latin Grammy Award. While the group hasn't released new music since 2006, they still continue to perform together.
© Getty Images
29 / 31 Fotos
Bardot
- Formed in 1999 on the Australian reality show 'Popstars,' Bardot is a great example of a girl group that enjoyed huge success at home, but not in other major markets. Their debut album went number one in Australia and New Zealand but, besides in some parts of Asia, they didn't really leave a mark anywhere else. The band broke up in 2002. See also: Multiracial bands that made history.
© Getty Images
30 / 31 Fotos
30 of the greatest girl groups of all time
Add a bit of Spice to your Little Mix!
© Getty Images
With some of our favorite bands of the '90s and '00s reuniting as of late, now's as good a time as any to look back on the greatest girl groups of all time. And it's not just pure nostalgia either: the success of newer acts like Little Mix and Fifth Harmony are proof that fans are still very much interested in girl groups.
In this gallery, we explore the best of the best. Did your faves make the cut? Click on to find out!
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