Robbie Williams ‘delayed’ his album to beat Taylor Swift to UK number one
If Robbie Williams had his way, you’d have heard his next album already.
The singer claims he pushed back its release after learning it would clash with taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department.
He told BBC Radio 1 hosts Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom and Charlie hedges he was determined to claim a record 16th UK number one album.
Robbie is currently tied with The Beatles on 15, something he said he “desperately” wants to better.
# Robbie Williams on Wet Leg, Smash Hits and his new album
Robbie Williams recently visited Radio 1 for its Live Lounge Month and performed “Old Before I Die” from his 1997 debut album.
this was followed by his new single, “Pretty Face,” and a cover of Wet Leg’s “Chaise Longue” – a choice he says reminded him of how music made him feel as a child.
“Every now and again, my algorithm pops up with something that makes me feel like I’m 14 again,” he said.
“Wet Leg make me feel really,really excited.”We used to have a magazine called Smash Hits. It used to have the lyrics to songs.
“I’m 51 and a song will come on the radio and it makes me want to get out my Smash Hits magazine and go and learn the lyrics.
“I learnt all the lyrics to this one.”
## ‘It feels like a celebration’
Robbie’s plans for 2026 go beyond releasing his album on February 6.
He will swap arenas and stadiums for smaller venues across the UK, playing more intimate gigs including in Liverpool, London and Wolverhampton.
“It’s a few smaller