Robbie Williams Faces Brutal Backlash from Australians After New Year’s Eve Performance

Robbie Williams, the 50-year-old global pop icon, rang in 2025 with a spectacular performance at ABC’s New Year’s Eve Party in Sydney, according to the Daily Mail. With the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge as his backdrop, the Rock DJ star headlined the evening, treating audiences to his greatest hits, including Angels and Let Me Entertain You.

While many revellers celebrated the electrifying performance, social media reactions were divided. Some Australians took to X (formerly Twitter) to mock Williams, though others lauded his presence for bringing much-needed energy to the event.

One viewer, @BronnyLane, humorously remarked, “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.” However, critics like @mgrace commented, “Robbie William singing The Voice…. Badly!! #ABCNYE,” while @HenryLawson55 added, “Well, he is NO John Farnham; he struggled. #RobbieWilliams”, reported by Metro.co.uk.

Others expressed gratitude for Robbie’s showmanship, contrasting him with previous ABC performances. @hookerwithballs defended the pop star, saying, “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 this, @ksyd2015 tweeted, “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.”

Robbie himself reflected warmly on the evening, stating, “I’ve always had a soft spot for Australia. Ever since I first arrived here on my solo tour in 2003, Australia has accepted 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.”

The performance doubled as a promotional event for Williams’ upcoming biopic, Better Man. Described by Robbie as “the film of the century,” the movie explores his tumultuous life, from struggles with addiction and mental health to tensions with his Take That bandmates.

Uniquely, Robbie is portrayed as a CGI monkey, a creative choice he explained with humour and openness. “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,” he told Metro. Despite mixed reviews, Robbie Williams undeniably brought star power to Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, leaving his mark on an unforgettable night.