NATALIE COLE STANDS BY WINEHOUSE BASH

Natalie Cole

Singing star Natalie Cole is standing by her criticisms of fellow pop singer Amy Winehouse, and is urging the troubled singer not to make the same mistakes she did. Cole had sparked outrage last year by announcing that the singer didn't "deserve" to take home a clutch of Grammy Awards when she was caught up in drug addiction. Winehouse landed five awards at the 2008 ceremony and performed via satellite link-up from London, where she was fresh out of a rehab clinic. The rehab singer then underwent several more stays in hospital in a hope to kick her addictions and is currently enjoying an extended holiday in the Caribbean. Cole, who endured a long-running battle with heroin addiction, is now suffering from Hepatitis C. And she hopes Winehouse will look at her case and stop experimenting with drugs for good. She tells Fox News, "I got into a bit of hot water for what I said about Amy Winehouse and I still say it again. I'm an ex-drug addict and I don't take that kind of stuff lightly. "It stayed in my body for 25 years and it could still happen to this young woman or other addicts who are fooling around with drugs, especially needles. I would hope that what happened to me does not happen to her."

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AMY WINEHOUSE'S HUBBY CLAIMS ADULTERY

A high powered lawyer for Amy Winehouse's jailed husband said Monday his client will be seeking a divorce on the grounds of Amy's alleged infidelity. Attorney Henri Brandman said he had been instructed by Blake Fielder-Civil "to commence divorce proceedings on the grounds of adultery." Winehouse and Fielder-Civil married in Miami in May 2007, but he was arrested six months later over an assault. In July he was sentenced to 27 months in jail for beating up a bar manager and then offering him a bribe to keep quiet about it. Fielder-Civil was released into a drug rehab center in November but sent back to prison weeks later for breaching his bail conditions. During concert appearances last year, Winehouse often exhorted fans to call for the release of "my Blake." But she has been linked by tabloid newspapers to other men and recently has been photographed on holiday in the Caribbean with an alleged new beau, Josh Bowman.

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AMY WINEHOUSE DROPS DRUG APPEAL

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse has dropped her appeal against drug charges in Norway and accepted a fine after she was caught in possession of marijuana in the country. Amy was arrested along with husband Blake Fielder-Civil and her hairdresser in the city of Bergen in October 2007, after she was found with seven grams of weed in her hotel room. The three was released by police after handing over $430.00 The rehab singer later contested the fine, claiming she was unaware paying the amount was the equivalent of admitting guilt. A trial date was set for next week. But Winehouse has put an end to the case by accepting the fine, according to her lawyer Ole Kvelstad. He says, "After a careful review of the whole matter, they decided to drop the appeal." Kvelstad refused to give details regarding the decision to withdraw the appeal.
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WINEHOUSE'S HUBBY VOWS TO WALK AWAY

Amy Winehouse And Hubby Blake Fielder Civil

Amy Winehouse's hubby Blake Fielder Cicil is vowing to walk away from his troubled marriage, because he blames himself for introducing the Rehab singer to hard drugs. Fielder-Civil was freed from prison in early this month, after serving almost a year behind bars in relation to an attack on a pub landlord in 2006. As part of his early release deal, he checked into a rehabilitation facility in Surrey, south east England, in a bid to kick his drug addiction. But he fears Winehouse’s heavy dependence on drugs will lead her to a very early grave, and it’s all because of him. He tells Britain’s News of the World paper, "I made the biggest mistake of my life by taking heroin in front of her. I introduced her to heroin, crack cocaine and self-harming. I feel more than guilty."I dragged Amy into it and without me there is no doubt that she would never have gone down that road. I ruined something beautiful. Now I have to let her go to save her life. I am not abandoning her. I am doing this out of love." Fielder-Civil claims he only realized the extent of their drug use when Winehouse collapsed following a drinking and drugs binge at their north London home in August 2007, and almost died. He recalls, "I was there when Amy suffered her first seizure. I still break down thinking about it. We had been taking drugs all day long - heroin and crack."We started early and finished late. We didn’t really stop… and while I was getting out of my head, I wasn’t thinking that I was taking somebody with me.Then my wife… just started shaking violently in front of me. I started crying and I lay her down in the recovery position… It was heartbreaking, seeing someone you love more than yourself, someone you would die for… on the floor shaking." The image of Winehouse in such a terrible state will forever haunt Fielder-Civil: "I will go to my grave with that picture of Amy asking me, Who are you? Who are you?’ She didn’t know who I was. I told Amy, ‘I’m your husband.’ "I knew then that I had ruined something beautiful. It was all my fault. It was the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life." And now Fielder-Civil insists he won’t be returning home to his beloved wife when he completes his rehab stint on December 30th, for her own good. He adds, "Now the most dignified thing I can ever do in my life is to release somebody I love from my f**king grasp, from my clutches."When I see pictures of Amy and the state she’s in it tears my heart out. I just want to pick her up and help her. But I can’t - because I’m the man who caused it all. It scares me to death that I can’t fix Amy. But for her recovery I have to leave her alone."I will never stop wanting Amy an loving her and craving her. More than anything I am addicted to Amy. I will do anything for her - and that includes walking away. If something bad happened to Amy now I would kill myself without a question."

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MARK RONSON SHOCKED BY AMY WINEHOUSE

Music man Mark Ronson is very shocked by the huge success of troubled singer Amy Winehouse's hit song Rehab, as he never expected the song to do so well. The 2006 song has garnered international critical acclaim, winning Winehouse three Grammy awards and an Ivor Novello prize for her songwriting. And Ronson, who produced the track for Winehouse’s LP Back to Black, had no idea Rehab would become such a phenomenon. He says, "Doing Back to Black with Amy, we felt no pressure at all to come up with hits. We were in our own bubble, just making music we liked. "So while I knew it was good, I had no idea why her A&R guy saw dollar signs the very instant we first played him Rehab."
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AMY WINEHOUSE WILL NOT BE CHARGED

Amy Winehouse

Rehab singing star Amy Winehouse will not be facing assault charges over an incident at the Glastonbury festival, in which she went after a fan.The troubled star was singing her hit track "Rehab" to 75,000 fans on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday when she jumped down into the security pit. The singer, who has been receiving medical attention for her emphysema, then turned on a member of the audience, striking the unnamed fan with her fist. But a spokesman for Winehouse claims she was provoked, adding, "The 'lashing out' was when someone tried to grab her hair and she reacted."Festival organizer Michael Eavis has also come to Winehouse's defense, insisting she only lost her temper because someone tried to manhandle her. And now a police spokesman has announced that the singer will not be prosecuted over the incident, as the person involved has not made an official complaint. Inspector John Fuller, of Somerset and Avon police, says, "No complaint has yet been made but when one is, we will investigate the matter fully."Winehouse also hit back at fans who booed her as she paid tribute to her incarcerated husband Blake Fielder-Civil. She said, "Boo me one more time and I'll find you and your phone and call your mum and tell her you ain't got no manners."

WINEHOUSE DAD PLEADS WITH DEALERS

Amy Winehouse's dad is pleading with former drug addict Pete Doherty to stay away from his daughter, so she can kick her drug habits once and for all. The rehab singer is currently receiving treatment for emphysema in a private clinic in Marylebone, London, after collapsing at her home last Monday. She has been struggling to beat her drug addictions for months, but after two unsuccessful attempts at rehab, the singers father Mitch is hoping her drug suppliers and drug-taking pals will leave her alone once and for all, so she can get her life back on track. And, despite Doherty recently claiming to be clean of drugs, Mitch wants him to do what’s best for Amy, who was just diagnosed with emphysema and is asking him to cut all ties with her.He tells Britain’s Sunday Mirror, "I’m saying to those drug dealers, and they know who they are, if they are supplying crack to Amy, then they’ve got to take responsibility. I don’t want her hanging out with her mates like Pete Doherty either. "What hope does she have if people are taking drugs around her? Already Amy says she feels better and wants to leave hospital and that worries me." Emphysema is a potentially fatal lung condition usually caused by heavy smoking and drug taking. Amy's mother died of emphysema in 2006.
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AMY WINEHOUSE CONFIRMS JAMES BOND

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse is confirming rumors that she has been working on the title track from forthcoming James Bond epic Quantum Of Solace, following weeks of speculation about the track. The Rehab singer was said to have been dropped as the film’s official musical muse after DJ Mark Ronson told reporters he had scrapped his 007 collaboration with the singer because she was not "ready" to work on music after a recent return to her wild ways. But Winehouse has now confirmed that she has in fact completed the song and is just waiting to get the green light from movie bosses over whether the song will be used in the film, which is due in cinemas later this year.She says, "I’ve written the song. If they like it, they like it. If they don’t, they don’t." And Ronson adds, "If I talk about it (James Bond star) Daniel Craig will whack me in the eyes. Amy wrote the song on an acoustic guitar. It was my job to help with the arrangement and realize the sound we were going for. So that was my role."

AMY WINEHOUSE DID RECORD JAMES BOND

Amy Winehouse

Rehab singer Amy Winehouse is working on a theme song for the new James Bond film, according to music producer Mark Ronson. Last month the star’s spokesman denied claims she was secretly writing the track for the movie. But Ronson insists the pair has recorded a song and hopes it will be used for the upcoming epic, Quantum Of Solace. He says, "They asked Amy, and I think Amy said that if she did it, she’d want to do it with me. So hopefully something will come of it. "The demo sounds like a James Bond theme, hopefully. But I don’t know if it’ll get used." "I’m sure there are loads more really famous people that probably we’re competing with and we don’t know about. But hopefully I’ll still be alive for at least 12 more Bond themes. If we don’t get this one maybe we’ll get another one."

AMY WINEHOUSE DENIED HUBBY JAIL VISIT

Amy Winehouse

Wearing her heart on her sleeveless shirt, Award winning Rehab singer Amy Winehouse returns home after attempting to visit her husband Blake Fielder-Civil, but reportedly was denied, at Londons Pentonville Prison the other day. poor Amy has been denied before, but at least this time she seems to be holding together.

IT'S AMY WINEHOUSE AT THE GRAMMY'S

Rehab singer Amy Winehouse along with Kayne West and the Foo Fighters have all won at last nights Grammy Awards. Winehouse via satellite won the Best Pop Vocal Album award for her acclaimed Back to Black L.P. Kanye West picked up the Best Rap Solo Performance for his hit single Stronger. The star also won in the best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category for his collaboration with Common on Southside. Foo Fighters picked up the Best Hard Rock Performance for their 2007 single The Pretender while Bruce Springsteen landed the Best Rock Song award for Radio Nowhere. Some other winners included, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) Best Pop Vocal Album Amy Winehouse - Back to Black Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals The White Stripes - Icky Thump Best Hard Rock Performance Foo Fighters - The Pretender Best Rock Song Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere Best Alternative Music Album The White Stripes - Icky Thump Best Male R&B Vocal Performance Prince - Future Baby Mama Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige - Disrespectful Best R&B Song Dirty Harry, Kerry Brothers & Alicia Keys, songwriters (Alicia Keys) - No One Best R&B Album Chaka Khan - Funk This Best Contemporary R&B Album Ne-Yo - Because Of You Best Rap Solo Performance Kanye West - Stronger Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Common featuring Kanye West - Southside.

AMY WINEHOUSE GRANTED U.S. VISA

Amy Winehouse

Rehab singer Amy Winehouse has been granted a U.S. visa just 24 hours after she was banned from entering America to attend the Grammy Awards, but she still won’t travel to Los Angeles to perform at the ceremony. The singer was initially refused a visa at the U.S. embassy in London on Thursday because of a drug conviction in Norway last October. Following the decision, Grammy organizers arranged for Winehouse to perform live at Sunday’s event via satellite. But the embassy reversed its decision on Friday after discussions involving "officials in the United States" concluded Winehouse can go to America. The Rehab star has opted to remain in London. A statement from her spokesperson reveals, "Following further discussions involving the U.S. embassy in London and officials in the United States, Amy Winehouse has been granted a visa to enter the United States Of America. "Unfortunately, due to the logistics involved and timing complications, Amy will not be travelling to the U.S. to perform at the Grammys in person. However, she will be performing via satellite broadcast as previously announced."Amy would like to thank all of those people, in particular the staff involved at the U.S. embassy in London, who have all worked so hard to expedite her application. "She is looking forward to being a part of the 50th Annual Grammy Awards with her Sunday night performance and to going back to the US soon."

AMY WINEHOUSE DENIES SHES IN REHAB

Amy Winehouse is dismissing reports that she has checked into rehab following the release of a video showing her indulging in a major wasted drug binge.The footage which was obtained by The London Sun, was taken at Winehouse's London apartment on Friday and shows the singer allegedly snorting powdered ecstasy and lighting up a crack pipe.However, reports that Winehouse entered a recovery treatment center on Tuesday are false.The British star's representative says, "Amy is not in rehab. "She was seeing a doctor who she regularly sees as part of her ongoing treatment. It was a regular appointment which she attends all the time."

AMY WINEHOUSE REPORTS BEING DENIED

Mark Ronson is denying reports he was spending the night in a hotel room with Rehab singer Any Winehouse. Ronson, who produced Winehouse’s last album Back To Black, was accused of romancing the star after the pair were reported to have stayed at the K West Hotel in London together on Friday night after an alcohol-fuelled recording session. However, the 32-year-old has denied the rumors that they are having an affair, insisting the pair are just friends. He says, "We were pictured together at the weekend but we didn’t spend the night together and we weren’t even working in the studio. "We were just running around London, hanging out, going to a house party. I went to her house for a bit and she played me some new songs and then we went out." Winehouse’s husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who is currently being held on remand at London’s Pentonville Prison on charges of perverting the course of justice, was said to be furious at reports his wife had spent the night with Ronson.

WINEHOUSE ORDERED NOT TO VISIT

Wild and crazy Amy Winehouse has been ordered not to visit husband Blake Fielder Civil in prison unless she quits her hard party lifestyle.The Rehab hitmaker’s mother-in-law Georgette is furious Winehouse has been missing visits to Fielder-Civil in London’s Pentonville Prison because of her all night partying. So the 42 year old has ordered her daughter-in-law to stay away. Georgette says, "When Amy’s out all night, she can’t get up the next day and keeps missing visits. "Blake can’t dictate to Amy but he gets upset when she forgets to visit or turns up too late and is turned away."I have to ring her sometimes six times a day to remind her to get up, get washed and get over there."

AMY WINEHOSUE RELEASED ON BAIL

Troubled singer Any Winehouse has been released on bail following her arrest on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The Rehab singer was arrested on Tuesday afternoon after voluntarily giving herself up at a police station in Shoreditch, London for questioning. A police spokeswoman says, "A 24-year-old woman has been bailed to return to an east London police station on a date in early March pending further inquiries." Winehouse was first implicated in a bribery plot involving her jailed husband Blake Fielder-Civil last Sunday. Fielder-Civil is currently being held on remand at London’s Pentonville Prison and is awaiting trial on a similar charge after he attempted to fix the outcome of his trial for grievous bodily harm. He is alleged to have assaulted bartender James King in June last year and stands accused of trying to pay off King with $400,000 and a free holiday in return for withdrawing his statement. Winehouse’s newest arrest comes just days after police confiscated her mobile phone records, bank details and computer software, which could provide evidence of the star’s alleged involvement in the plot. Last week cops also visited the singer’s accountants, the prestigious London-based firm Smallfield Cody, in an attempt to track all of her financial dealings. Winehouse has yet to be charged with any crime.

AMY WINEHOUSE GIVES UP BOXING RING

Wild party girl Amy Winehouse has given up her tickets to see one of the biggest events in the history of British boxing, so she can remain near her incarcerated husband Blake Fielder Civil.The drug addicted singer also pulled out of an appearance on U.K. talk show Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, had a ringside seat to see a sold out showdown between undefeated boxers Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas on tonight, but has opted to remain in London to be near the jailed 25-year-old.A source tells Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper, "Her, Blake and a few friends had ringside tickets. She’s sad to miss it but wants to stay in the U.K. for Blake." Fielder-Civil was arrested and imprisoned earlier this month on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in relation to a charge of grievous bodily harm.

AMY WINEHOUSE PLANNING PRISON GIG

Amy Winehouse is planning on performing at London's Pentonville Prison to lift the spirits of her jailed husband. The troubled singer has been distraught since her spouse Blake Fielder-Civil was taken to the notorious jail while he awaits sentencing for allegedly perverting the course of justice. Now Amy plans to show Blake her support by treating him and the other inmates to a performance. A source close to the singer is quoted by Britain's Daily Sport newspaper as saying: "Amy has been in pieces ever since Blake was arrested. She can't stand the thought of him being alone in prison and wants to play a show there. "She thinks it would be a fitting tribute to him, it would cheer him up and it would also help her cope with being separated from him." Amy wouldn't be the first musician to showcase her talents within prison walls. Late country legend Johnny Cash famously recorded the live album 'Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison' in 1968, while British bands Dirty Pretty Things and The Enemy played at Pentonville Prison in August for a suicide prevention charity. Meanwhile, Blake was denied bail last week, and will spend Christmas in jail. However, Blake's mother Georgette Civil thinks prison is the best place for 25-year-old Blake at the moment. She said: "He's finally taking responsibility for his behaviour and accepts that the and Amy are totally responsible for the mess they're in. He's using his time in prison to overcome his drug habit."

LIAM GALLAGHER WARNS WINEHOUSE

Wild Amy Winehouse

Liam Gallagher has warned Amy Winehouse to tone done her wild ways. The Oasis singer believes the troubled singer - who collapsed following a drugs overdose in the summer and has since struggled to stay sober - should stay away from alcohol and narcotics as she can't handle them. Liam, 35, said: "She plays with fire, so she'll get burnt. That's the way it goes. If she knows what she is doing is not good, then she needs to back up a bit." However, Liam - famed for his notorious rock'n'roll lifestyle - insists he would be partying even harder than Amy if he was still her age. He added: "She's young. I'd probably be doing the same thing - except twice the drugs. I'm sure she'll grow out of it." The outspoken 'Wonderwall' star also gave 24-year-old Amy's music his reserved seal of approval. He added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "It's alright. I like that 'Rehab'. I've just heard stuff on TV. She's good." Meanwhile, Amy sparked further health fears when she looked painfully thin while visiting her husband Blake Fielder Civil at London's Pentonville Prison yesterday. Amy - who was booed by fans on the first night of her UK tour in Birmingham after delivering a shambolic set - shocked onlookers with her dishevelled appearance as she stumbled towards the entrance of the jail. Blake - who is being held in custody in prison for his alleged involvement in a £200,000 (US $400 thousand) plot to pervert the course of justice.

WILD AMY WINEHOUSE'S MANAGER QUITS

Amy Winehouse's manager has quit, accusing the singer of ruining his health with her drug taking. Thom Stone parted ways with the 'Rehab' singer after doctors reportedly found heroin in his system which he passively inhaled on the tour bus. A source revealed: "Stone was constantly bailing Amy out. "He was watching them get off their heads on drugs and wondering whether Amy was even going to get up on stage. It was a nightmare job." Amy and her husband Blake Fielder-Civil reportedly thought Stone was joking when he produced a doctor's note which revealed traces of heroin in his system, but friends insist they are pleased he has gone. One pal told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "When he showed them this note Blake and Amy thought it was a joke. "They didn't get on with him and were taking the p**s when he tried to pull that excuse to leave. They wanted rid of him anyway." Stone refused to comment on the doctor's note, but confirmed he had quit. His departure comes just a day after Amy turned on her fans during a Birmingham concert. The troubled star - who had earlier in the day visited husband Blake Fielder-Civil in prison - appeared drunk as she took to the stage and tearfully paid tribute to her husband. When the crowd began booing, she screamed: "Let me tell you something. First of all, if you're booing you're a mug for buying a ticket. "Second to all the people booing - just wait 'til my husband gets out." The 24-year-old star is said to have locked herself in the toilet for 30 minutes before her performance, sparking fears she could harm herself. A source said: "You could hear her wailing, 'I can't go on without Blake.' It made everyone worry she would do something stupid to herself. Eventually aides convinced her to come out, but it was touch and go for a while."

AMY WINEHOUSE ENGULFED IN SHAME

Amy Winehouse was "engulfed in shame" after her drugs overdose. The troubled singer - who was hospitalised in August after taking a cocktail of heroin, ketamine, cocaine and ecstasy - says she owes her life to husband Blake Fielder-Civil and claims she doesn't even recognize herself from that turbulent time. She said: "I really thought I was on the way out. My husband Blake saved my life when he brought me into the hospital. "I often don't know what I do. Then the next day my memory returns, and I'm engulfed in shame. "I recently saw a picture of myself when I came out of the hospital, and I didn't recognize myself anymore. I believe I live through pain - if you suffer for something, it means it's important." The 24-year-old singer has also confessed she self-harms because she suffers from severe bouts of "depression". She told Germany's Stern magazine: "I feel that a black cloud hangs over me. I have taken pills for depression but they slowed me down. I believe there are lots of people who have these mood changes. "I'm just really lucky to have found this outlet - my music." Amy is currently in the middle of a European tour, which she had to originally postpone in the wake of her overdose, and will be performing in Paris' renowned Le Zenith concert hall on Monday.

POP STAR GEORGE MICHAEL WANTS TALENTED AMY WINEHOUSE FOR A DUET

George Michael wants to duet with Amy Winehouse. The former Wham frontman - who has already collaborated with Elton John, Mutya Buena, Sir Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige - is determined to work with the controversial 24-year-old singer. George said: "I have written a song for Amy and I hope she likes it. I would love us to record it together, but we will have to see what she says." The 44-year-old singer - who like Amy has had a difficult relationship with alcohol and drugs - recently said Amy was the "best female vocalist" he had ever heard. He said: "Amy is the best female vocalist I have ever heard in my entire career, as well as one of the best writers. So all I can say now is, 'Please, please understand how brilliant you are' and I wish her every success in the future, and I know she can get past the media. "I don't know if she can get past other things, but she's a fantastic talent, and we should all support her."

STAR AMY WINEHOUSE QUITS REHAB

Amy Winehouse quit rehab yesterday.The troubled singer - who was rushed to hospital last week - walked out of Essex's The Causeway clinic after just 48 hours. Amy took a helicopter to her north London home after husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who was also being treated at the facility, reportedly convinced Amy to leave so they could return to "normality". Speaking outside her house, Amy said: "Oh my God, what the hell happened last week? I'm fine don't worry." Later in the day, the 23-year-old star - who has been ordered by doctors to have a brain scan - visited a private London clinic with her 25-year-old spouse.Specialists plan to run tests for epilepsy, which they believe could have been the cause of Amy's seizure last week.The newlyweds were then spotted in their local pub the Old Eagle with Blake's mother Georgette and stepfather Giles. Amy's father Mitch is furious his daughter has left rehab and is desperate to get her away from her husband, who he blames for her problems. A source said: "Mitch is desperate for Amy to get some proper lengthy treatment but she'll only do it with Blake. Mitch even looked to see if he could get a restraining order against him but legally it's impossible."

AMY WINEHOUSE UP FOR MERCURY AWARD AGAINST ARCTIC MONKEYS

Singer Amy Winehouse

The Arctic Monkeys and Amy Winehouse are to go head-to-head for the 2007 Nationwide Mercury Prize. The Sheffield band are in line to scoop the coveted music prize for second album 'Favourite Worst Nightmare', while Amy, 23, has been nominated for her hit second LP 'Back to Black'. Amy and the Arctic Monkeys - who walked away with the prize last year for debut album 'Whatever People Say I am, That's What I'm Not' - are joined by ten other acts on this year's shortlist, which recognises the best British album of the last 12 months. Other nominees include The View, for 'Hats Off to the Buskers', the Klaxons, for debut 'Myths of the Near Future' and Jamie T's 'Panic Prevention'. Previous winner rapper Dizzee Rascal is in the running with 'Maths + English ', four years after winning the prize for his debut 'Boy In Da Corner'. Simon Frith, who chairs the judging panel, said: "This year's Nationwide Mercury Prize shortlist marks the emergence of a wealth of eclectic talent making music with great energy, excitement and personality." Amy and the Arctic Monkeys have already been installed as joint favourites to walk away with the accolade by bookmakers who are offering odds of 4/1. The winner, who will be announced on September 4, will collect also £20,000 (U.S. $40.000) prize money.

SINGER AMY WINEHOUSE ANGERS FANS

Amy Winehouse left fans furious the other night when she pulled out of a Liverpool show at the last minute. The 'Rehab' star was due to perform in front of 4,500 fans who had paid £24 (U.S. $48.) and queued in the rain to watch her perform. But just 15 minutes before she was due on stage it was announced she was too ill to appear. One disgruntled fan, Sophie Appleton, 19, said: "We heard her rehearsing and she seemed fine." Sophie's boyfriend Paddy Redmond, 19, added: "We took two trains and a taxi here. It should come out of Amy's wages." Chas Cole, spokesman for the series of Summer Pops concerts in Liverpool, said the 'Rehab' star only cancelled after being advised to by doctors backstage. He described the situation as "regrettable". It is not the first time Amy has let down fans. In March, the 23-year-old singer postponed two performances at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire at the last minute citing a mystery illness. She had been pictured buying alcohol in a supermarket earlier the same day. Amy's Liverpool show has been rescheduled for July 18.

AMY WINEHOUSE TO DO JAMES BOND

Amy Winehouse is set to sing the next James Bond theme tune. The 'Rehab' singer could soon be following in the footsteps of legends like Dame Shirley Bassey, Gladys Knight and Tina Turner, after catching the attention of composer David Arnold. Arnold, who composed the last three 007 theme songs, is so impressed with Amy's husky voice, he wants her to record the next Bond title track. He told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "Amy Winehouse did the best record of last year. I haven't asked her yet but I think she'd be good, although Bond songs can be a bit of a war zone. "The next film will be in 2008 and we're almost finished with the script. The books are all done now so this one is going to be an extension of what happens to Bond, continuing the story from 'Casino Royale'. We haven't a title yet but anything without death, dying, tomorrow or dies would be fine by me!" Earlier this week, Amy, 23, won Song Of The Year at the MOJO Honours List for 'Rehab'. The award - her sixth this year - follows the chart-topping success of her second album, 'Back to Black' released last year.

AMY WINEHOUSE BEATS UP HUSBAND

Amy Winehouse has confessed she physically attacks her new husband. The 'Rehab' singer takes her anger out on spouse Blake Fielder-Civil when she's drunk.She is quoted by Britain's The Sun newspaper as saying: "I'm either a really good drunk or I'm an out-an-out s**t, horrible, violent, abusive, emotional drunk. "I'll beat up Blake when I'm drunk. I don't think I've ever bruised him, but I do have my way. If he says one thing I don't like then I'll hit him." However, the 23-year-old star, who married Blake in a secret ceremony last month, says she doesn't seek out arguments after a few drinks. She added: "I'm not a fighter, but if I am backed up against the wall I'll kick the s**t out of anyone. "I don't think your ability to fight has anything to do with how big you are. It's to do with how much anger is in you." Last week, Amy and Blake had a blazing public row after her performance at the MTV Movie Awards in Hollywood on June 3. An onlooker at the Los Angeles hotel where the argument took place, said: "As soon as they walked into the lobby they started screaming at each other. Amy was shouting, 'You always f***ing do this! Don't f***ing touch me! F**k you!' "She was in tears but Blake tried to walk away. It wound her up so much she pushed him into a hedge."After spending a few minutes apart, the couple soon patched up their difference and were seen crying into each other's arms.