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Robbie Williams backs the X Factor twins 'all the way'
Updated 09:06am on 21 Oct 2009Robbie Williams performed his first full concert for three years tonight and shocked fans by backing cocky X Factor contestants the Grimes twins to win the show.
Double trouble: Robbie wants the twins to win
The former Take That heart-throb singer performed to a sell-out crowd to open this year's BBC Electric Proms.
Williams opened the show at north London's trendy Roundhouse venue with new single Bodies.
Appearing emotional, he said: "You nearly made me cry then, but then I realised it's not The X Factor."
Williams, who appeared on the ITV1 show earlier this month, revealed he was a fan of twins John and Edward Grimes.
"Go for the twins," he told the crowd, who responded with deafening boos.
But he insisted: "John and Edward all the way."
The gig was watched by celebrities including radio DJ Fearne Cotton and singer Will Young.
Later the cheeky singer appeared to hold back tears as he revealed his hit Feel was his auntie's favourite song, saying: "I'm sure she's looking down now."
But he then deadpanned: "She's not dead - she's just condescending!"
Tonight's performance also set a world record for the most simultaneous cinematic screenings of a live concert.
The show was screened in more than 250 cinemas across 23 countries, meaning tens of thousands of the singer's fans across Europe watched the show as it happened.
Williams, who is at number two in the singles charts and was accompanied by a string section, horn section and a full band, is no stranger to setting records. He last did so in 2006 when his epic Close Encounters tour sold 1.6 million tickets in a day.
Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said: "It's been a few years since we've seen Robbie in the record books so it's great to see him back on stage and breaking records."
Reader views (4)
Yay, I love the tiwns!
I think the X Factor needs someone like these two guys, they don't take themselves too seriously and they are definitely refreshing. If Cheryl (Cashley) Cole is allowed to release records why these two dudes shouldn't be? John & Edward all the way!
- Louise, Ealing, London, 21/10/2009 13:31
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Oops Bad Hair Day for the Chuckle Brothers.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 21/10/2009 13:13
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Why cant they make it??
Their singing is about the same standard of the woman inolved with the comments & judging of the compeditors who did some singing/dancing (??) etc on saturday.
If everyone liked her entertainment there is no doubt that most will like the entertainiment of these two - surely.
- Toldasitis, South london, 21/10/2009 11:48
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This is the bloke with a northern accent who tries to sing (badly) in
an American one. No wonder he'd like the twins to win, less competition
for his overhyped pop songs.
- Fred, South London, 21/10/2009 11:11
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