ROBBIE WILLIAMS is making the ultimate music transfer.
I can reveal the music megastar is quitting record giant Universal to sign with its main rival Sony in a multi-million pound worldwide deal.
Robbie is the UK’s most successful pop star in terms of album sales over the past two decades, which is why Sony has tried unsuccessfully to sign him for many years . . . until now.
And the good news for the former TAKE THAT star’s millions of fans is that this deal means he will release a major pop comeback before the end of the year, his 11th studio album.
It’s fair to say the Robster is more than a little excited about his new arrangement.
He said last night: “The team at Sony are professional, incredibly hungry and have a great energy. They’re inspired, I’m inspired.
“I’m more ready than I ever have been and I’m totally convinced I’m in the right place.
“I look forward to working on this album, which is an album I’m immensely proud of.”
I’m told the deal will also see Rob reunite with the brilliant GUY CHAMBERS, his long-time collaborator who co-wrote hits including Angels, No Regrets and Rock DJ.
Robbie — who has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide — signed the deal this week with Sony Music UK boss JASON ILEY, who was able to secure the Angels singer after top-secret negotiations.
Iley said the new album “defines an exciting new chapter for Robbie”, adding: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime signing with the biggest male solo artist of our generation.”
Robbie’s music will be released through iconic Sony label Columbia Records, giving him the force of the team who helped turn MARK RONSON, CALVIN HARRIS and GEORGE EZRA into international superstars.
The move is a blow for Universal, Take That’s record label, who inherited Robbie’s back catalogue when they took over the EMI label five years ago.
The 17-time Brit Award-winner signed to EMI for £80million in 2002, when he famously declared: “I am rich beyond my wildest dreams.”
He joined Universal in 2010, despite rumours of a £100million bid by record chiefs at Sony to poach him.
But the perseverance has finally paid off for the music giant, which now has two huge egos in the building — Robbie and SIMON COWELL.
Sheer’s for Shawn
HE has already released one acclaimed album but SHAWN MENDES is planning to bring out the big guns for his follow-up.
The Canadian singer topped the charts in January with single Stitches, taken from 2015 release Handwritten.
Shawn is now going to do some writing with ED SHEERAN and NIALL HORAN on the next record.
Speaking backstage at his London show, he told me: “Niall just randomly followed me on Twitter one day and I reached out to him and we just started texting.
“I think he’s a great songwriter because he did a lot of the ONE DIRECTION stuff, so I would love to write with him.”
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And he is just as pally with Ed, having met him several times after being introduced by bosses at the record label they share.
Shawn, pictured with me above, said: “Ed’s just awesome, all round.
“So I definitely want to work with him. It’s just about timing.”
The real coup would be getting all three on the same record.
Time to work your magic, Shawn.
Gaga’s wild
ALL that was missing from LADY GAGA’s Wild West-style outfit at the weekend was a piece of straw stuck between her teeth.
The pop star turned country star as she left her New York apartment in a fur coat and flares, which she topped off with a trilby and shades.
The Golden Globe winner is working on her fifth studio album, co-produced by Brit stars SIR ELTON JOHN and MARK RONSON.
If there isn’t a DOLLY PARTON duet on there, I’ll be disappointed.
Justin’s tatt is an eye sore
IF JUSTIN BIEBER believes getting dodgy tattoos is going to raise his street cred, he needs to have another think. He added to his collection of body art on Saturday night by getting a new design above his cheek.
The tiny tat looks suspiciously similar to the teardrop under rapper LIL WAYNE’s eye, below – a mark which signals its owner has either killed or been in prison.
But wannabe bad boy Bieber isn’t set to be incarcerated, as far as I know, and his inking is actually of a miniature crucifix.
I only hope Justin doesn’t end up with a fully-inked face like MIKE TYSON.
Ty for third
TYRONE WOOD has moved on to another model six months after dumping DAISY LOWE.
I revealed Tyrone, below with a mystery friend, who is the son of ROLLING STONES legend RONNIE WOOD and runs a supplements company, ended his relationship with Daisy, above, because she was too keen.
He is now dating his third Select Model Management beauty, LIZZIE BOWDEN, having previously been in a relationship with ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY.
Lizzie has previously been linked to KATE MOSS’s ex Dan Macmillan.
A friend said: “Tyrone and Lizzie have known each other for years.”
Sally Humphreys, third wife of Tyrone’s dad Ronnie, is currently pregnant with twins.
The pal added: “His dad is having more kids. Tyrone wants one too.
“Lizzie already has a two-year-old daughter, and friends are saying that they wouldn’t be surprised to see her with a baby bump soon.”
They will have to set up a Wood family creche at this rate.
J-Lo out-Smarts Nic
JENNIFER LOPEZ is desperate to make sure nobody puts her Baby in a corner as he shoots the Dirty Dancing remake.
Her toyboy partner CASPER SMART, above with J-Lo, is filming the ABC film in North Carolina alongside the recently single again NICOLE SCHERZINGER, and Jen has been keeping tabs on him while he works.
Last month I revealed former Pussycat Doll Nic had split from her tennis player lover GRIGOR DIMITROV and now J-Lo is concerned she has the hots for Casper.
A source revealed: “J-Lo is certainly making her presence known on set.
“She is friends with Nicole but is being overly friendly to make absolutely sure nothing happens between her and Casper.
“She has been organising group activities for the cast outside of working hours so she can keep an eye on them. Nicole is younger than her and has a similar look. Jen is scared her relationship could be in jeopardy, and it has not gone unnoticed by the cast.”
Hopefully Casper lives up to his name and is Smart enough not to cheat.