The reunited Spice Girls have burst onto the stage at London's O2 arena for their first UK concert in nine years.
"Thank God we're home," yelled Mel B, while Geri Halliwell said: "What a crowd! We love you London!"
Guests in the audience included R& B star Rihanna and Gordon Ramsay as well as Victoria Beckham's husband David and their sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz.
Emma Bunton, who injured her ankle earlier this week, wore an elasticated support throughout the concert.
Fans travelled from across the UK to witness the band's homecoming gig.
"I burst out crying," said Linzie Freeth from Devon. "I couldn't control myself. I've been waiting for this all my life."
Sophie Bisset, from Sidcup, south east London, described the two hour show as "electrifying" and "wonderful".
"They were as good or even better than they were the first time around," added her sister Katy.
Tickets for Saturday's gig, which cost up to ?75, sold out in just 38 seconds when they went on sale in October.
As a result, 16 further London dates have been added, in addition to two nights in Manchester next year.
The gigs form part of the girl power quintet's world tour, which kicked off in Vancouver earlier this month to broadly positive reviews.
The two-hour show features eight costume changes and a laser-lit stage backed with huge video screens.
Alongside songs from their heyday, including Wannabe and Stop, the set also incorporates solo hits by Melanie C, Geri Halliwell and Bunton.
The tour marks the first time the band have performed as a five-piece since a 1998 gig in Birmingham, shortly after which Halliwell walked out on her bandmates.
On the opening night of the reunion tour, Halliwell referred to the incident by amending the lyrics to the band's debut single, Wannabe.
"If you really bug me then I'll say goodbye," she sang, adding: "And I did!"
Bunton injured her ankle during the band's final US concert in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old has been receiving treatment from David Beckham's doctor in a bid to get fit for the London show.
In the coming months, the five will also perform in Cape Town, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, Sydney and Beijing.
But the original dates for these performances have been cancelled after the band decided to reschedule the tour due to cope with exceptional demand for tickets.
Fan Kevin Hughes, from Cardiff, said the tour would not be the end of the group's comeback.
"After tonight, they'll want to do an album," he said.
"I think in a year's time they'll have a new album and another comeback." ( BBC )