After her five Grammy win on Sunday, Amy winehouse has been met with a few critics, one of whom is Natalie Cole. Ms. Cole told People, “I'm going on record as an artist who is able to critique. I think she has a great talent, but I don't agree with the Grammys giving her those nods. I think it sends the wrong message, that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all these awards. It's a slap in the face to musicians and artists who work very hard that they turn around and give it to someone who really obviously doesn't have a grasp of what she has.”
Ms. Cole also brought her own past drug use saying, “I've been in this business over 25 years and I sacrificed five years of my own life on drugs and almost lost my life because of it. So I take great offence to almost see someone getting glory out of being in the position that they're in – she needs to get her life together and embrace her craft, she will lose it if she doesn't get it together.”
I do understand the point here, but I somewhat disagree. Amy Winehouse was not nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award or any award based on her character as a person or on how she conducts her personal life. Amy Winehouse received nominations and awards solely for her music.
Instead of using Amy’s win as an opportunity to bash her, it would be better used as an instrument of encouragement for her to continue with the treatment she’s receiving to beat her addictions; and as Ms Cole put it, “…to get her life together and embrace her craft…” Amy Winehouse has taken a huge leap in overcoming obstacles this year, her Grammy win can be looked at not only as a reward for her talent but also as an over-comer.
