Robbie Williams has been named Album Icon for National Album Day 2026, organizers announced Tuesday. The honor comes as the event prepares for its ninth edition since launching in 2018, with this year's theme set as «Icons».
The award celebrates the «art of the album» and the artists who share their personal stories through the format. National Album Day 2026 is presented in association with BBC Radio 2 and organized jointly by the BPI, the UK association of record companies and independent labels, and ERA, the digital entertainment and retail association.
Williams' selection reflects a career defined by album sales and chart success. He has sold 90 million albums worldwide, holds six entries in the Top 100 best-selling albums in UK history, and has earned 16 Number One albums. He has also received a record-breaking 18 BRIT Awards and five Ivor Novello Awards.
«We are as delighted as we are honored that Robbie has accepted our invitation to champion the album format and support National Album Day, this year celebrating iconic artists and their albums,» a National Album Day spokesperson said. «He is an undoubted music icon and adds his powerful voice to other major artists advocating for the cultural importance of the album format.»
Williams said: «Ask any artist, albums still matter… That's why I'm happy to be part of this year's National Album Day celebrating the art of the album, and just how important they are… AND speaking of albums – they're re-issuing one of mine, you might know it.. 'Sing When You're Winning'.»
To mark the occasion, Universal Music Recordings and Island Records are reissuing Williams' third studio album, Sing When You're Winning, as a limited-edition 2LP red and blue vinyl set. The album features hit songs including «Rock DJ» and «Kids (featuring Kylie Minogue)». This marks the first time the record has been released on colored vinyl, and it is available for pre-order now.
Williams is the latest artist to be honored as part of the annual event. Other album champions already announced include BRIT Award-winner PinkPantheress, Oscar-nominated composer Max Richter CBE, and former Spice Girl Melanie C. Album Champions in previous years have included Wolf Alice, Iron Maiden, Nova Twins, Travis, Kylie Minogue, Elbow, and Lewis Capaldi, among others. The event has also been celebrated with listening events, live performances, and in-store promotions.
Beyond National Album Day, Williams has a busy schedule ahead. He will headline Lytham Festival in the UK and play two stadium gigs in Ireland. He will also top the bill at the British Grand Prix in July. Those dates fall shortly after Glastonbury 2027, sparking rumors that he might appear at Worthy Farm. Williams said in 2023 that he would «slaughter» Glastonbury's coveted Legends Slot if booked. «A lot of people there have an oblique perception of what I am. But if they saw me do it, I would take their heads off,» he said.
Williams released his latest album, Britpop, in January. The project topped The Beatles' all-time record for the most UK Number One albums. He previously admitted that dethroning the Fab Four was something he wanted «more than anything in my career right now».