National Album Day has confirmed Melanie C as its latest Album Champion for 2026, joining PinkPantheress and Max Richter CBE.
The annual event returns on October 17, this year celebrating Icons, and organisers say the Spice Girls star embodies the theme.
The British singer became a global name in the 90s as part of the chart-topping girl group, selling more than 100 million records worldwide. Their debut album Spice remains the best-selling album by a female group in history.
Melanie has released nine solo studio albums since her 1999 debut Northern Star, which has sold close to 2.5 million copies. She scored worldwide hits with I Turn to You and Never Be the Same Again, and her 2020 self-titled album marked a major return to the charts. In May, she earned a top 3 Official Albums Chart placing with Sweat, now the highest-charting solo album from any Spice Girl.
Away from music, Melanie is a Sunday Times bestselling author, an Attitude Award-winning LGBTQ+ ally, a philanthropist and a performer who has embraced DJ sets and fashion. She begins her biggest world tour to date later this month.
Speaking about her new role, Melanie said albums “tell a story” and offer “a journey” that goes beyond individual songs. She praised the artwork, physical format and the experience of listening from start to finish.
She said: “I’ve always loved albums because they tell a story. They’re a chance for an artist to take you on a journey, to share different sides of themselves and create something that’s bigger than just a collection of songs. Some of my favourite musical memories come from listening to an album from start to finish, and I still love discovering new records in that way today. There’s something magical about the artwork and owning an album you can actually hold in your hands. Music has always been such a huge part of my life, so I’m really proud to become a National Album Day Album Champion and celebrate the magic of the album format.”
More Album Champions will be revealed ahead of October’s event.
National Album Day highlights the cultural importance of the album format and encourages fans – especially younger listeners – to discover full-length records. This year’s Icons theme celebrates artists who shaped eras, from The Beatles and David Bowie to Oasis, Spice Girls, Little Simz and Raye.
Exclusive releases tied to the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information, head to www.nationalalbumday.co.uk.
