Top 30+ of the greatest girl groups of all time
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
