Disturbing Video of Amy Winehouse Smoking Crack

Ok, now this is upsetting.

Here is a video, obtained by London's The Sun newspaper, of Grammy nominated singer Amy Winehouse smoking crack.

Amy -- don't you remember what Whitney said? Crack is whack!

Oh goodness, I hope this girl gets her crap together. She's too talented to die young.

Here's the video...be warned, it's sad.

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Kelly Clarkson Named to Mr. Blackwell's Worst Dressed List

Well, it wasn't a great year for Kelly Clarkson -- her album sales disappointed and she got into a fight with her record label. It looks like style guru Mr. Blackwell is rubbing some salt in her wounds -- he's named the Idol champ to his annual Worst Dressed List!

Kelly came in at #5 on the list, below Posh Spice, Amy Winehouse, Mary Kate Olsen and Fergie. That's some pretty, um, auspicious company.

Here is the entire Top 10, along with what Mr. Blackwell had to say about each of the "honorees":

10.) Alison Arngrim: "Little Nellie of the prairie, looks like a 1940's fashion editor for the Farmers Almanac."

9.) Lindsay Lohan: "Lindsay the fashion frenzy strikes again! Lohan takes fashion to a new low."

8.) Jessica Simpson: "Forget the Cowboys. In prom queen screams, can it get any worse? She's a global fashion curse!"

7.) Avril Lavigne: "Gothic make-up courtesy the mad spatula-Fashions provided by.. The house of Dracula!"

6.) Eva Green: "Stuck in neon nightmares not fit for the sane. Fashion this loud could give Bond a migraine! A profusion of confusion from toes to nose!"

5.) Kelly Clarkson: "Her heavenly voice soars above the rest... but those belly-baring bombs are hellish at best! She may be the queen of 'Pro-Active' – but that wardrobe looks downright radioactive!"

4.) Fergie: "Another style-free 'Fergie' in fashion's hall of shame? Yes, when it comes to couture chaos, guess it's all in a name!"

3.) Mary Kate Olsen: "YIKES! In layers of cut-rate kitsch, Mary Kate's look is hard to explain... she resembles a tattered toothpick-trapped in a hurricane!"

2.) Amy Winehouse: "Exploding beehives above…tacky polka-dots below... she's part 50's car-hop horror."

1.) Victoria Beckham: "Forget the fashion spice - wearing a skirt would suffice! In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty posh can really wreck-em."

Source: US Weekly

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Amy Winehouse's Mother Publicly Pleads With Her To Get Help

Despite receiving six Grammy nominations this week, it's no secret that singer Amy Winehouse is a troubled girl. Now, according to London's News of the World, her mother has written her an open letter, pleading with her to get help.

Winehouse is so talented -- it's very sad that it's come to this. Hopefully she will heed her mother's words, and get the help she needs.

Here is the letter from Mrs. Winehouse to Amy:

“Dear Amy,

I HOPE you understand why I’m writing this. We have spoken recently but many people will wonder why I haven’t run down to whatever hotel you’re staying in, scooped you up and taken you home for a hot bath and a steaming bowl of chicken soup.

It’s because your father and I know what you’re like, Amy.

We want to help you, but we know that unless you want to be helped— unless you come to us—anything we tried would be in vain.

So this letter is my way of making sure that you know that—that all you have to do is come to us, Amy, and we’ll do everything in our power to get you well again.

After all, you are still my baby and you always will be.

I pile hope upon hope that you will make that decision, Amy, and your strong will can bend for just a moment to make that decision and come home to me.

Even when you were only a rosy-cheeked five-year-old singing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror, you had a will as stubborn as a mule. Do you remember?

We couldn’t ever get you to see things from any angle other than your own. You could swear day was night and Heaven help anyone who tried to disagree.

You were never a wayward daughter but you always had a strong will and a mind of your own—qualities your father and I were so proud of.

You were well brought up, you had a keen sense of right from wrong and you understood the values we always impressed on you as a family.

But you would never be pressurised or influenced into doing something if your heart wasn’t in it.

I know there’s no point in me ringing you, fussing over you or ordering you to do something. I need you to take that first step, darling. I need you to call me, to pick up that phone and tell me what’s troubling you.

Your father and I would like nothing more—wherever you are, whatever you need, we’re here for you day and night. I hope you know that. We were terrified after we saw those pictures of you earlier this week, wandering the freezing streets of London at dawn in your underwear. All I wanted to do was rush into those pictures and wrap you up in a big, warm blanket.

Do you remember those Decembers long ago when I used to swaddle you in a thick winter coat? I used to wrap you up and give you a kiss on the nose before you went out to play in the cold.

“Don’t worry about me Ma, I’ll be fine!” you used to laugh. But, like any mother, of course I worried. Just as I’m worrying now.

Because I know that however big, grown-up and successful my Amy gets, she still needs the love of her Ma.

Do you remember on January 14 this year, when your album got to number one? Do you remember how overjoyed your father and I both were? We shed tears of joy for you that night.

And not just because we were delighted for your success, that you had finally fulfilled that childhood dream of singing your heart out in front of millions. But also because finally, the whole country thought our little girl was just as special as we knew you were.

Some wonderful things have happened since that night, darling, but also some not so wonderful. Blake, your husband, might not be my favourite person—you know that, Amy—but he’s your choice and I would never say anything about him to hurt you.

When I was quoted recently as saying “Thank God Blake’s inside” what I meant was that putting him in jail might help him to clean up HIS act and change HIS life.

It wasn’t said out of viciousness or to upset you. If your relationship is meant to be, it will survive.

I’m a great believer that everything in life happens for a reason, a purpose. And if you two are destined to be together forever, then so be it.

But I want you to love Blake for who he is, Amy. Not because you feel sorry for him, or because he can get you doped up. Not for any other reason than that you have respect for him.

I completely understand and sympathise with how you feel heartbroken over your separation and I’d do anything to help you end that unhappiness.

No mother likes to see her child suffering like that.

Having to cancel your tour, as well, has been very sad. But I know it’s happened for the best.

Despite disappointing all of your fans, who I know you treasure so much, maybe it will pull you up and make you stop and think and take stock of where your life is going.

I pray it does. I hope it makes you realise that although you might be a superstar, you’re not superwoman.

Early fame has overwhelmed you, it’s dizzied you and muddled your mind. For a moment, forget you’re a superstar. You’re also young and vulnerable. Remember you’re just an ordinary human being, no stronger than any of the rest of us. You think you’re strong enough to get through this on your own, darling, but you’re not.

I want you back, and I’ll make you fitter and stronger. I’d like nothing better than to have you home and help you put on a bit of weight with some wholesome home cooking.

You’re at your happiest in family situations, I remember. It’s part of that strong Jewish tradition you were raised in. Remember how you spent time with my sister before the gig in Newcastle the other week? You felt comfortable and at ease. That’s how I know family is important to you.

But I can’t force you to do something you don’t want to. You have to want it to happen darling, you have to ask for it.

Me and your father, and your brother Alex all want you to be happy and quickly restored to full health. For the moment, that’s all of our priorities.

We are concerned, but we’re not panicking. You’ve got to see things in your own time and I’m sure you will.

You are a brilliant talent, of course, and if you get yourself well, you’ll be able to go on and fulfil your destiny.

You’re a true professional who thrives on work and you need to get back into that routine.

We know you don’t want to let your fans down. We know how important they are to you and how once you’re over this present setback you’ll give them a show they’ll never forget.

You know I’m an optimist, and that I think, with our help, you will get back on top of things.

But I know you must come to me first for that to happen.

I just hope that, because of this letter, you do. Pick up the phone.

All my love, Ma”

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Kanye West and Amy Winehouse Lead The Grammy Field

Click here to read about the 13 (wow!) Grammy nominations picked up by former American Idol contestants, but, believe it or not, there were other artists nominated as well!

Kanye West led the pack with 8 nominations, followed by troubled Brit singer Amy Winehouse, who grabbed 6 for her brilliant Back to Black. The Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and T-Pain each picked up five nominations.

Here are the nominees in the major general categories:

RECORD OF THE YEAR
"Irreplaceable," Beyonce
"The Pretender," Foo Fighters
"Umbrella," Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
"What Goes Around…Comes Around," Justin Timberlake
"Rehab," Amy Winehouse

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, Foo Fighters
These Days, Vince Gill
River: The Joni Letters, Herbie Hancock
Graduation, Kanye West
Back To Black, Amy Winehouse

SONG OF THE YEAR
"Before He Cheats," Carrie Underwood
"Hey There Delilah," Plain White T’s
"Like A Star," Corinne Bailey Rae
"Rehab,” Amy Winehouse
“Umbrella,” Rihanna featuring Jay-Z

BEST NEW ARTIST
Feist
Ledisi
Paramore
Taylor Swift
Amy Winehouse

Click here for a full list of nominees

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Underwood, Daughtry Among MTV's VMA Nominees

Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughry each picked up an MTV Video Music Award nomination today, the first for both. Justin Timberlake and Beyonce led the field with 7 nominations apiece.

Here are the nominations:

Video of the Year
»Amy Winehouse: "Rehab"
»Beyoncé: "Irreplaceable"
»Justice: "D.A.N.C.E."
»Justin Timberlake: "What Goes Around ... "
»Kanye West: "Stronger"
»Rihanna (featuring Jay-Z): "Umbrella"

Male Artist of the Year
»Akon: "Don't Matter," "I Wanna Love You" (featuring Snoop Dogg), "Smack That" (featuring Eminem)
»Kanye West: "Can't Tell Me Nothing," "Stronger," "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been" — DJ Premier remix, featuring Nas, KRS-One and Rakim)
»Justin Timberlake: "Let Me Talk To You/ My Love," "SexyBack" (featuring Timbaland), "What Goes Around ... "
»T.I.: "Big Things Poppin' (Do It)," "You Know What It Is" (featuring Wyclef Jean), "What You Know"
»Robin Thicke: "Can U Believe," "Lost Without U," "Wanna Love You Girl" (remix, featuring Busta Rhymes and Pharrell)

Female Artist of the Year
»Amy Winehouse: "Rehab," "You Know I'm No Good"
»Beyoncé: "Irreplaceable," "Beautiful Liar" (featuring Shakira)
»Fergie: "Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)," "Glamorous" (featuring Ludacris), "Fergalicious" (featuring Will.I.Am)
»Nelly Furtado: "Maneater," "Say It Right"
»Rihanna: "Umbrella" (featuring Jay-Z)

Best New Artist
»Amy Winehouse: "Rehab," "You Know I'm No Good"
»Carrie Underwood: "Before He Cheats"
»Gym Class Heroes: "Clothes Off," "Cupid's Chokehold/ Breakfast in America"
»Lily Allen: "Alfie," "Smile," "LDN"
»Peter Bjorn and John: "Young Folks"

Best Group
»Fall Out Boy: "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race," "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs"
»Gym Class Heroes: "Clothes Off," "Cupid's Chokehold/ Breakfast in America"
»Linkin Park: "What I've Done"
»Maroon 5: "Makes Me Wonder"
»White Stripes: "Icky Thump"

Most Earthshattering Collaboration
»Akon (featuring Eminem): "Smack That"
»Beyoncé and Shakira: "Beautiful Liar"
»Justin Timberlake (featuring Timbaland): "SexyBack"
»Gwen Stefani (featuring Akon): "The Sweet Escape"
»U2 (featuring Green Day): "The Saints Are Coming"

Quadruple Threat of the Year
» Beyoncé
» Bono
» Jay-Z
» Justin Timberlake
» Kanye West

Monster Single of the Year
»Avril Lavigne: "Girlfriend"
»Daughtry: "Home"
»Fall Out Boy: "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs"
» Lil Mama: "Lip Gloss (No Music)"
»T-Pain (featuring Yung Joc): "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')"
» Timbaland (featuring Keri Hilson, D.O.E. and Sebastian): "The Way I Are"
»MIMS: "This Is Why I'm Hot"
»Plain White T's: "Hey There, Delilah"
»Rihanna (featuring Jay-Z): "Umbrella"
»Shop Boyz: "Party Like A Rock Star"

Best Director
»Beyoncé and Shakira: "Beautiful Liar" (director: Jake Nava)
»Christina Aguilera: "Candyman" (directors: Matthew Rolston and Christina Aguilera)
»Justin Timberlake: "What Goes Around ..." (director: Samuel Bayer)
»Kanye West: "Stronger" (director: Hype Williams)
»Linkin Park: "What I've Done" (director: Joseph Hahn)
»Rihanna (featuring Jay-Z): "Umbrella" (director: Chris Applebaum)

Best Editing in a Video
»Beyoncé and Shakira: "Beautiful Liar" (editor: Jarett Figl)
»Gnarls Barkley: "Smiley Faces" (editor: Ken Mowe)
»Justin Timberlake: "What Goes Around ..." (editor: Hollee Singer)
»Kanye West: "Stronger" (editors: Peter Johnson and Corey Weisz)
»Linkin Park: "What I've Done" (editor: Igor Kovalik)

Best Choreography in a Video
» Beyoncé and Shakira: "Beautiful Liar" (choreographer: Frank Gatson)
» Chris Brown: "Wall To Wall" (choreographers: Rich & Tone and Flii Styles)
»Ciara: "Like A Boy" (choreographer: Jamaica Craft)
»Eve: "Tambourine" (choreographer: Tahesha Scott)
»Justin Timberlake (featuring Timbaland): "SexyBack" (choreographer: Marty Kuldeka)

Daughtry Remains In Top 5 of Album Charts, Dreamgirls DVD Release Date Announced

Selling just under 80K copies, Chris Daughtry's band Daughtry slipped just 2% in album sales this week and finished at #5, behind new releases from Musiq Soulchild, Lloyd, and Rich Boy.

Carrie Underwood just missed out on a return to the Top 10, selling about 41K copies for a #11 finish.

The Jennifer Hudson-led Dreamgirls soundtrack fell 25%, moving 18K units and winding up at #34. It was announced yesterday that the DVD of Dreamgirls will be available May 1, with an extended version due out at Christmastime.

In non-Idol CD news, Amy Winehouse, who I love (read Idol Thoughts Rave: Amy Winehouse) made her debut on the chart at #7, selling around 50K copies.

Look for Elliott Yamin to make his chart debut next week!

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Idol Thoughts Rave: Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black"

Take two parts Joss Stone, mix with 3 parts Lauren Hill, add in a bit of Ella Fitzgerald and sprinkle a pinch of Janis Joplin on top, and you come up with Amy Winehouse, the British soul-ster who's debut album "Back to Black" is available in stores today. I was able to listen to an advance copy of the CD this past week, and I believe Winehouse, with her 60's- mod-meets-R&B style, has one of the most exciting new voices I've heard in quite some time. Lead-off single "Rehab," in which she sings "They tried to make go to rehab, I said no, no, no," is a funky, defiant tune that sounds like Erykah Badu covering "My Boyfriend is Back." The rest of the disc is just as entertaining...I can't recommend it highly enough.