Emma Bunton Adds Holiday Stardust to Sweeping Orchestral Cover of Spice Girls’ ‘2 Become 1’

Spice Girls member Emma “Baby Spice” Bunton has unwrapped a beautiful Christmas present for fans around the world. Over the weekend, the singer debuted a new take on the group’s 1996 holiday ballad, “2 Become 1,” in which she transforms the slinky R&B original into a dramatic Technicolor ballad complete with sweeping strings.

The revamp featuring only Bunton’s vocals, finds her backed by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, which adds an extra layer of yuletide cheer to her airy, dreamy vocals. “I need some love like I’ve never needed love before/ I had a little love, now I’m back for more/
Set your spirit free/ It’s the only way to be,” Bunton sings on a warm, Olivia Newton-John-like voice on the refrain.

The video finds Bunton swooning over the Orchestra’s majestic backing, with the singer performing in the midst of the string section in a holiday-appropriate red, off-the-shoulder mini dress. On Instagram, Bunton wrote about her joy in re-imagining the beloved Spice Girls standard.

“Earlier this year, I had the amazing opportunity to record one of my favourite Spice Girls singles, ‘2 Become 1,’ with the incredible @budapestscoring Orchestra!,” she said. “Hearing the song brought to life by such a talented orchestra gave me goosebumps — it was such a magical experience.”

In a second post with behind-the-scenes video of the shoot, Bunton added, “Spending time with and watching the @budapestscoring Orchestra perform ‘2 Become 1’ was a magical experience I literally had goosebumps the whole day! Thanks to everyone there for making it so special.”

Bunton released her fourth solo album, My Happy Place, in 2019, the same year she released the holiday single “Coming Home for Christmas,” which included her cover of Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby.” My Happy Place also featured a duet on “2 Become 1” with Robbie Williams.

Watch Bunton in the new “2 Become 1” video below.