It appears the charms of one of the UK’s best entertainers Robbie Williams were lost on some Australians.
The Rock DJ musician, 50, headed Down Under to headline broadcaster ABC’s New Year’s Eve Party in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Ending 2024 in style, Robbie treated revellers to his biggest hits – from power ballad Angels to anthem Let Me Entertain You – as part of ABC’s countdown to midnight.
However, some Aussies cruelly mocked the popstar’s stellar performance on X, while others praised him for finally bringing the ‘party atmosphere’.
Among them was @BronnyLane, who said: ‘Me: geez he’s good that Robbie Williams impersonator. I saw him once. Could hardly tell the difference. Also me: oh, that’s actually Robbie Williams. #NewYear2025 #robbiewilliams.’
@mgrace wrote: Robbie William singing The Voice…. Badly!! #ABCNYE.’
@HenryLawson55 commented: ‘Well he is NO John Farnham, he struggled #RobbieWilliams.’
@_OutInTheBlack_ added: ‘lol wtf #robbiewilliams must’ve been paid #abc wages lol perfect way to send out 2024 tbh. zero fks given and a whole lot of just…”why?”‘
Others, though, were baffled by Robbie’s roasting on social media.
In his defence, @hookerwithballs exclaimed: ‘Stop complaining about Robbie Williams , we’ve had to put up with years of ABC crap acts for many many years on NYE and finally we have someone decent.’
Echoing their sentiment, @ksyd2015 said: Robbie Williams is a professional entertainer who always delivers. Even on an embarrassingly small stage like the one he was given here. Finally some atmosphere, some party spirit #ABCNYE.’
@gemrocks17 added: ‘#ABCNYE Loved Robbie. Great performance! The world needs to hear our unofficial anthem right now, too #united#RobbieWilliams#Sydney#NYE2025.’
Reflecting on the performance, Robbie enthused: ‘I’ve always had a soft spot for Australia. Ever since I first arrived here on my solo tour in 2003, Australia accepts me for who I am and that’s the best feeling. So it was truly an honour to entertain the nation in front of the iconic Sydney Harbour counting down to New Year’s Eve.’
Robbie performed at ABC’s bash to celebrate the release of his film Better Man – and he couldn’t resist giving the movie a shameless plug, saying it has been hailed as ‘the film of the century.’
In the musical biopic of his tumultuous life, Robbie is portrayed as a monkey played by Jonno Davies in a motion capture suit and viewers are taken on a journey from his difficult relationship with his father Pete (Steve Pemberton) to tensions with his Take That bandmates and manager and his previously documented struggles with addiction and his mental health.
The chart-topper previously revealed to Metro why he is played by a CGI Monkey, saying: ‘I didn’t know that I’d have to explain it, but obviously [I do]! Cos it’s unusual, right? That’s the thing.
‘I’m on the spectrum, so things that are unusual to me, aren’t that unusual – I don’t pick up on those sorts of cues. I don’t know where I am on the spectrum, by the way, I just know I am.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.