Singer Amy Winehouse was found dead at her apartment in London on Saturday, the UK Press Association reported. She was 27.
The "Rehab" singer had a history of battling drugs and alcohol and recently left a British rehabilitation program that a representative said was intended to prepare her for scheduled European concerts.
But she cut short the European concert tour in Belgrade, Serbia, last month after she staggered around the stage and stumbled through several songs.
The troubled British singer was known for a stirring, soulful voice that many considered a throwback to the Motown sound.
She had a breakout year in 2008 when she won several Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for her hit “Rehab.” Her album “Back to Black” garnered Best Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year.
But there was trouble.
Winehouse's volatile marriage to Blake Fielder-Civil took a toll on the singer's career. The couple divorced in 2009 after a stormy two years marked by drug addiction and arrests.
Winehouse’s parents went public with their efforts to help their daughter, telling the London Telegraph in 2009 that she was on the road to recovery.
"A gradual recovery, which is good,” Winehouse’s father, Mitch, told the Telegraph. “With slight backward steps - not drug backward steps, more drink backward steps if you follow my drift. I think that will be the pattern of recovery."
She dug her own grave.
A lot of ignorant comments here from people who don't understand addiction. People don't choose this life for the fun of it, it's to escape pain from trauma or neglect, as well as low feelings of self-worth. Addiction is a disease like any other disease...it can be treated, but never cured.
Agreed. If you want to find ignorance, look no further than the comments section on any online news story. Something about the ability to comment on a story brings out the idiot in many people.
To those who made ignorant and hateful comments – may someone you love or care about be found dead from a drug overdose. Think it can't happen? Then go on living in denial.
Life is about choices. If you choose to go the route of drugs/alcohol, you are choosing your own demise. It's not a disease, it's a choice.
True words
It IS a disease, not a choice. The term disease broadly refers to any condition that impairs normal function.
There but for the grace of God go I ....RIP
hey cnn, 85 people were shot dead in Norway, and yet this story about a dead drug addict is a larger headline on your website. Are you trying to be a tabloid?
such is the life of a role model. I just hope that she doesnt make commiting suicide by doing drugs a trendy thing for kids these day.
This is not funny, it is always a sad thing to see such a young person die. Her battles have overcome her and I feel so sorry for her loved ones.
I hope this sad story named Amy will stop the rhetoric of another star-Charlie Sheen. He's been around Hollywood his entire life, he was part of the 80's Brat Pack. If he has done as much coke as the media alludes that he does, he would have died around the same age, 27. He's in his late 40's.
As a 44 year old, I think about the things I've experienced between 27 and 44 and all I can say is what a sad sad story.
Your comment of Good Riddence when someone at the age of 27 has lost their battle with drugs no only shows your lack of morals it shows you have not been raised correctly. Amy was someones daughter someones friend. And now this young girls family will have to mourn her death with comments from idiots like you making it even harder. Grow up and get a life.....
Well said!
I totally agree. I find many of the comments here are heartless and insensitive. Ms. Winhouse's situation was very sad and I wish for strength for her family and friends.
What's SAD is that some folks never learn a lesson until it's too late and they've gone over the cliff. How many actors, singers, athletes etc. have we watched die, or have their lives and that of their loved ones destroyed due to drug and alcohol abuse? Almost never a happy ending and none of it worth your life.
Thank you for this sensitive and kind response. So many mean spitirited people out there.
You are a sick sorry excuse for a human being. You are not even worth the dirt you walk on. You are lower than maggots and vermin.
Cut her some slack. She's dead.
We wonder what is WRONG with the world today.... There is NO COMPASSION left anymore for anyone.
People are so QUICK to judge and condemn others. You would think the world would be a perfect place since so many perfect people exist today.
'Good riddance' because her problems with addictions were such a burden on your life right? Well it has been lifted now and you can go back to your previously wonderful life just like how it was before Amy Winehouse became famous. Oh no wait, nothing will change for you, youll have a chip on your shoulder. Youre just celebrating the death of someone for the sake of it. Nice one. Stay bitter.
not everyone is strong enough to fight addiction
i love your comment. and it's so true
You are right. We are not here to judge. My heart and prayers go out to her family, she was a very gifted, unique child.
TOTALY AGREE!!
Where's the darn LIKE button??
For someone to say "Good Riddence" is insensitive. But the meaning behind it is just. This woman was a 27 years old a drug addict who happened to produce some amazing music. Loss I say yes. You are correct she was someones daughter and friend. But where were her friends and family when this was going on? It was obvious she had a problem. So where was the help? If it turns out she died from some sort of overdose then I have little sympathy because u have a choice to do or don't do drugs and if you choose to do them then know your limits. And if you push those limits then you are selfish and should be prepared for the consequences. If anything should come if this is that 1 person is saved from traveling down this road.
Good post only thing you wasteing your breath – these people just dont get it – regardless of whatever she left an everlasting legacy to the World.
She was still a human-being regardless.. R.I.P. To those that see it otherwise, eat crap and (u know the rest)
OMG, it has been only 5 minutes since I saw this story posted and u"d think MJ just passed. wow. she was a great singer tough.. rest in peace AMY
Not the least bit surprising. Still, What a waste
She made it into the drug 27 club with Hendrix, Joplin and Morrison, but she's a back up singer compared to the others.
Kurt Cobain was also 27.
A single famous person is dead.
noted...
Can we move back to Norway now, or even our own Debt Crisis?
Never saw this coming. Too bad, she had pipes. Gotta party a little lighter, folks. RIP.
I never knew her music. I would see stories on the news about her. I figured she was another talented person that got caught up in the pressures of being an artist. Then I watched an episode with her in rehab and I felt bad for her she was in more trouble than she realized and it was going to take more than rehab. To hear this news a few days after watching her on celebrity rehab really saddens me. I pray that she is finally at peace and I send my condolences to her family. R.I.P. Amy