Historically, "limelight" referred to a type of stage lighting created by heating a cylinder of lime with an oxyhydrogen flame, which produced a bright, focused beam. That’s where the phrase to be in the limelight comes from—it originally meant being at the center of attention on stage. Today, it’s used more broadly to mean being in the public eye. To be in the spotlight is a more modern version with the same meaning. Both expressions are still commonly used, and neither one has a particularly positive or negative tone—they’re generally neutral.

Hi Elizabeth, they are pretty similar expressions. I would say that being in the limelight is more about being famous. This could be negative or positive. Being in the spotlight is more general and it’s when the attention is on you. I hope this helps

Being in the spotlight means the attention is on you, and it probably puts pressure on you. People are scrutinising you. Being in the limelight means you're getting attention, and glory. It's more like heaven, less like hell.