Robbie Williams pulls out of EMAs

U.K. singer cancels because of a schedule conflict

By Richard Smirke, Billboard

Oct 30, 2009, 05:09 PM ET

LONDON -- Robbie Williams has pulled out of a scheduled appearance at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards.

According to a statement issued Friday by the U.K. singer's spokesperson, the cancellation was "due to a scheduling conflict." The statement went onto say that "all other promotional commitments carry on as planned."

Wiliams had originally been due to perform alongside Jay-Z, Green Day, Robbie Williams, Tokio Hotel, Leona Lewis, Foo Fighters and Shakira at the awards ceremony, which takes at Berlin's O2 World Arena on Nov. 5.

The singer -- who recently made his long-awaited comeback after a three-year hiatus with the single "Bodies" (Virgin/EMI) -- is up for best male at the ceremony. "Bodies" entered the Official U.K. Charts Co. singles rundown at No. 2 on Oct. 25. Williams' new studio set "Reality Killed The Video Star", produced by Trevor Horn, is due to be released internationally on Nov. 9.

Williams also is set to receive the outstanding contribution to music prize at next year's Brit Awards, which take place Feb. 16 at London's Earls Court.

Robbie Williams pulls out of EMAs

U.K. singer cancels because of a schedule conflict

By Richard Smirke, Billboard

Oct 30, 2009, 05:09 PM ET