On the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, Mel B looks like she means business. The British bombshell b.k.a. Scary Spice of the iconic ’90s pop quintet, The Spice Girls—who could make a comeback for their 20th anniversary next year—has swapped her chunky platform boots and leopard print bodysuits for white Christian Louboutin pumps, fitted white denim and a shimmery key lime green top. Her signature ‘fro is also absent as her straight tresses sit pinned atop her crown.
As a mother of three and a seasoned music pro, Mel B has turned her zig-a-zig-a’s into checks. As a current judge on America’s Got Talent for her third season, Mel B is less scary and more grown and sexy. Between booking TODAY Show and Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon spots (July 30), she shows no signs of wear and tear (minus her stylishly ripped jeans) on her New York City press run.
READ: What Millennials Should Know About… Spice Girls ‘Spice’
As America’s Got Talent pops champagne for its 10th anniversary, the Spice Girl-turned-mogul mama discussed the perks of working on a family-friendly variety show, what her audition performance would be and who reps Girl Power today.
VIBE: During your three season-stint as a judge, can you recall a performer that floored you because it was something you have never seen before?
Mel B: We constantly see stuff that we’ve never seen before on the show. There are sometimes 16 to 17 hour days, and we see over 70 contestants. This is my third season so I won’t be able to pick [a] particular one—we’ve had everything from tarantulas on there to a guy diving into a tiny little pool from God knows how many stories high. We’ve had people just come on and be completely ridiculous, they do sidekicks, we’ve had so many different things that are really crazy so it’s hard to kind of pick one.
Then there’s you, Howie Mandel, Howard Stern and Heidi Klum as judges. What’s great about being a part of that fun bunch?
I mean it’s a great show to be a part of, period. I’ve watched and been a fan of the show for a long time and I get the best seat in the house with my three crazy judges.
Now let’s say we turn the tables around and you were a contestant. What would you perform on America’s Got Talent?
I would be with my girls [The Spice Girls], so I’ll probably sing one of the songs that we wrote. Whether we get through or not, who knows.
Marlon Wayans and Neil-Patrick Harris were also on as guest judges. Is there any rapper or hip-hop personality that you want to see in the judge’s seat?
We got a lot of rap and hip-hop guys. We got the one hit wonder guys that sang “B-double-O-T-Y” which was hilarious. It’s a variety show so we get a bit of everything.
Lastly, Spice Girls were the pioneers of girl power. Who do you think embodies that now?
I think there are a lot of great girl groups around. Also, great solo artists and lots of great guy groups and guy solo artists. I think there is room for everyone.