When the song “Rehab” was released, it should have been seen as a sign. Amy Winehouse, what were you thinking?
After being denied a visa to come to the United States and perform at the Grammys this past Sunday, Winehouse went on to win five Grammys out of six nominations, and her image was cast via satellite for the world to see. The U.S. Embassy made a smart decision, but the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences-or the Recording Academy-did not.
Following the statement made by singer Natalie Cole, it is disgraceful that, after a year spent doing nothing but setting a horrible example, emaciated and often appearing to be under the influence, one could win such a dignified award. While Cole admitted to drug use after her own Grammy-win, at least she has the courage to speak up. For Winehouse, nearly passing out on stage while performing, criminal charges, a husband in prison and her own rehab stint (See? That song was telling us something.) was not enough to prove she was unworthy of an award.
After 50 years of proclaiming winners to be the “best of the best” amongst musicians, one would think that the selection process would be perfected. But it seems that everything but common sense was considered when selecting Winehouse as a winner. Her musical talent does exist-her album sales prove she has many fans-but her image has declined ever since she stepped foot on the music scene. In the days of her first album, “Frank” (2003), Winehouse looked healthy. Maybe the spotlight’s pressure got to her, but as the years went by, the more fragile she became.
The paparazzi captures moments of many musicians and celebrities behaving poorly-but that doesn’t stop a young individual from looking up to them. It may seem harmless-girls put their hair in a beehive style-but the underlying message is simple. The decision to award Winehouse five Grammys shows that no matter what you do, it doesn’t matter. Belt out a popular tune and you’re set, no matter what else you do. You can still be a winner-even if you are acting like a loser.