Toronto beats Baghdad in vote for Spice Girls gig

LONDON (Reuters) - British girl band the Spice Girls may be breathing a huge sigh of relief.

Toronto beat Baghdad, among other contenders, in an online poll to decide where the 1990s pop sensations would play a special performance as part of their world tour, the group said on Friday.

Fans from around the globe voted on the reformed band's website (www.thespicegirls.com) to choose a "Spice City" that will be added to tour dates, with Iraq's violence-torn capital Baghdad, Rio de Janeiro and Chicago all coming close to winning.

But Toronto received the most votes, the band said, also outdoing Paris, Melbourne, Manchester and Alice Springs.

"We are delighted to be going to Toronto. We have such incredible fans there and we are amazed at such a positive reaction," the Spice Girls said in a statement.

The Spice City competition was set up to give fans the chance to bring the band to their city for an "extra special performance," the group said.

Adding Toronto means Emma, Geri, Mel B, Melanie C and Victoria will now play 15 dates on their imminent world tour. The "Spice City" show will take place some time in January.

The Spice Girls announced in late June that they were reforming, seven years after they split, and unveiled plans for a 10-date tour. Four more gigs were added to meet demand.

Over 3 million people registered online to buy tickets, which promoters say suggests that up to 18 million fans want to see the five women in action again.

Their revival tour kicks off in Vancouver in December, after which they will play cities including New York, London, Hong Kong, Sydney and Buenos Aires.