Williams' renaissance continued with "Millennium" entering the UK singles chart at number 1 in September 1998, and I've Been Expecting You topping the album chart two months later. Williams was also announced to be the biggest selling album artist of 1998. Featuring backing vocals by Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) and Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy), "No Regrets', one of Williams" finest songs to date, surprisingly stalled at number 4 in December. The wonderfully self-deprecating "Strong" debuted at the same position in March.

In 1999, Williams set about trying to woo America, touring in support of The Ego Has Landed , a selection of the best tracks from both albums. In November, he returned to the top of the UK charts with the double a-side, "She's The One"/"It's Only Us'. The former song was written and previously recorded by Karl Wallinger of World Party, ironic considering Williams' songwriting partner Guy Chambers was a former member of that band. The first airing of new material came in August 2000 with the release of Williams" third UK chart-topper, "Rock DJ", which was promoted by a controversial but award-winning video featuring the singer tearing lumps of flesh from his body. Sing When You're Winning proved beyond all doubt that Williams had won over the UK tabloids, music press and record buying public. Rarely has a dark horse enjoyed such a sweet victory. Of more dubious musical value was the Frank Sinatra-worshipping Swing When You're Winning , which included a beyond-the-grave duet with ole blue eyes himself on "It Was A Very Good Year" and an entertaining collaboration with actress Nicole Kidman on "Somethin' Stupid". Nevertheless, the album was another huge bestseller, and Williams was able to fulfill a lifetime's dream by appearing in a one man showcase at London's Royal Albert Hall.

In October 2002, Williams signed a record-breaking £80 million ($125m US) contract with his label, EMI Records . The contract featured a number of provisos, including the label ceding greater creative control to the artist and a commitment to breaking Williams in the US market. In return, EMI affirmed they would benefit from a cut of Williams' non-recording activities, including touring, publishing, and merchandising, thus protecting the company from any commercial downturn in the singer's album sales. Williams claimed to be ecstatic and "richer beyond my wildest dreams", and his new album Escapology duly topped the UK charts the following month.

In August 2003, Robbie performed before 375,000 people during a three-day stint at Knebworth. The performance was the largest in British pop history. A live album of the event was soon released and promptly hit the Top Five in the UK, giving ample evidence to the popularity of the event. In December of that year, a DVD recording of one of the Knebworth shows was released, setting sales records throughout the UK and Australia.

Robbie's personal life has become the stuff of tabloid heaven as well, with his many romances frequently grabbing headlines -- Robbie has been romantically involved with a bevy of young beauties, including: former All Saints singer Nicole Appleton, model Rachel Hunter, and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. 

In October 2004, Rob released a Greatest Hits album, with two new tracks on the CD. The first of these, "Radio", debuted at # 1 and the album itself hit # 1 several weeks later. In February 2005, Robbie won yet another Brit Award, as "Angels" was voted the Best British Song of the Past 25 Years. This gives him a record 15 Brit Awards.

October 2005 saw the arrival of "Intensive Care." The first single off the record, "Tripping" debuted at #2 on the charts and "Intensive Care" hit #1 in its first week on the UK Top 40. The album would soon take the top spot on the charts in over 18 countries.

October 2006 brought "Rudebox," a more dance and New Wave influenced album. "Rudebox" debuted at # 1 on the Albums chart in the UK and the first single ("Rudebox") peaked at # 4 on the charts. The second single, "Lovelight," hit # 8 on the charts in November. Robbie entered a rehab center for addiction to prescription medication on his 33rd birthday but was released just before the release of "She's Madonna," which quickly became his 28th Top 20 hit.

AWARDS

Robbie's won numerous awards all over the world, but the most-treasured ones to him are the Brit Awards that he's picked up. Here's a list of them all, including the ones he won as part of the group Take That:

• 1993: Best British Single - "Could it be Magic" (Take That)

• 1994: Best British Single - "Pray" (Take That); Best British Video - "Pray" (Take That)

• 1996: Best British Single - "Back for Good" (Take That)

• 1999: Best British Male Solo Artist; Best British Single - "Angels"; Best British Video - "Millenium"

• 2000: Best British Video - "She's the One"; Best British Single - "She's the One"

• 2001: Best Male Solo Artist; Best British Single - "Rock DJ"; Best British Video - "Rock DJ"

• 2002: Best Male Solo Artist

• 2003: Best Male Solo Artist

• 2005: Best British Song of the Past 25 Years - "Angels"

UK hit singles

• Aug 1996 "Freedom" #2
• Apr 1997 "Old Before I Die" #2
• Jul 1997 "Lazy Days" #8
• Sep 1997 "South of the Border" #14
• Dec 1997 "Angels" #4
• Mar 1998 "Let Me Entertain You" #3
• Sep 1998 "Millennium" #1
• Dec 1998 "No Regrets" #4
• Mar 1999 "Strong" #4
• Nov 1999 "She's The One" #1
• Aug 2000 "Rock DJ" #1
• Oct 2000 "Kids" (with Kylie Minogue) #2
• Dec 2000 "Supreme" #4
• Apr 2001 "Let Love Be Your Energy" #10
• Jul 2001 "Eternity" #1
• Dec 2001 "Somethin' Stupid" (with Nicole Kidman) #1
• Apr 2002 "My Culture" (1 Giant Leap feat. Maxi Jazz & Robbie Williams) #9
• Dec 2002 "Feel" #4
• Apr 2003 "Come Undone" #4
• Aug 2003 "Something Beautiful" #3
• Nov 2003 "Sexed Up" #10
• Oct 2004 "Radio" #1
• Dec 2004 "Misunderstood" #8
• Oct 2005 "Tripping" #2
• Dec 2005 "Advertising Space" #8
• May 2006 "Sin, Sin, Sin" # 22
• Sep 2006 "Rudebox" # 4
• Nov 2006 "Lovelight" # 8
• March 2007: "She's Madonna" #16