Melanie C performs in Radio 2’s Piano Room with BBC Concert orchestra

Radio 2’s Piano Room continued today on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show with Melanie C performing live alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra at London’s Maida Vale Studios.

The former Spice Girl delivered a striking set, opening with the group’s 1996 Christmas number one, 2 Become 1, followed by her solo chart-topper I Turn To You, and her latest single, What Could Possibly Go Wrong? from her forthcoming album Sweat.

The BBC Concert Orchestra, directed by arranger Rob Eckland, added orchestral depth to each performance.

Speaking to Vernon Kay, Melanie C reflected on the early days of the Spice Girls, when the band was unknown, recalling how they have stayed close despite the highs and lows of their careers.

“We really respect, love and cherish each other,” she said. “There’s no one else on the planet who knows what happened, what we all went through together.”

Melanie C admitted she was nervous ahead of the performance, describing it as “an honour to perform in Radio 2’s Piano Room,” and praised the Maida Vale Studios’ legacy for making the setting feel special.

“Performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra brings a whole new depth and drama to the music,” she added, “and sharing my new single in this setting makes the moment even more special.”

Piano Room Month continues tomorrow on BBC Radio 2 with James performing a new song, a classic and a cover with the BBC Concert Orchestra, followed by Macy Gray on Thursday.

Listen back to Melanie C’s Piano Room performance and interview here on BBC Sounds. You can watch her full performance on BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room YouTube playlist here  and BBC iPlayer.