REST IN PEACE AMY WINEHOUSE

My friend told me the news first thing Saturday morning and I was shocked! Even though she had her run-ins with the law and countless drug/alcohol incidents, we always think that nothing bad will ever happen until it actually does!

Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home in Camden Square northern London home on Saturday. Police confirmed the death before ambulance arrived at the scene. Though the cause of death is not known, we all have an idea that it had to involve some sort of alcohol and/or drug abuse.

She was born in 1983 and started in showbiz at a very early age. At 10, Amy and a friend formed a rap group called Sweet n' Sour [she was Sour] and became known as "the little white Jewish Salt 'n' Pepa." She attended Brit School, a performing arts academy, and was originally signed to "Pop Idol" under Simon Fuller's management.

Her debut album "Frank" earned Amy an Ivor Novello songwriting award, two Brit nominations, and a spot for the Mercury Sound Prize. In 2006, Amy found global fame with her second album "Back to Black" which fused soul, jazz, and doo-wop with lyrics about romantic obsession and emotion overload. This album ended up winning five Grammys, including Song and Record of the Year for "Rehab".

With the fame, Amy's personal life started to make front page news regarding drunken and drugged out escapades. It became public that she struggled with eating disorders and that she was diagnosed as a manic depressive but didn't take medication. Though she often made tabloid news, her fans were always loyal to her, as seen in her anticipated come back tour in Europe. But when Amy appeared drunk on stage where she couldn't even sing her songs and was boo'd off-stage, it was obvious she was still struggling with substance abuse. After her label cancelled the tour for Amy to recover, fans hoped that she would focus on living a healthier lifestyle. Then on July 24, Amy Winehouse passed away.

As I mentioned earlier, I am still very shocked. I caught on to Amy Winehouse by hearing the song "You Know I'm No Good" which is one of my favorite songs to this day. Her voice was so sultry and strong, I loved how soothing it was and its strong lyrics. I feel for her because she did have great talent and if only she would've overcome her addictions, there is no telling how much more of an influence she would've been to the world with her music. REST IN PEACE <3




You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille

'American Idol's' Steven Tyler: 'Lauren Alaina's been perfect'

 

During Tuesday, May 24's final performance show, Tyler again declared that he thinks the 16-year-old country crooner should win the crown, not 17-year-old Scotty McCreery. After Round 2, Tyler said Lauren won both rounds because she is "prettier" than Scotty. (It's not like this is a singing competition or anything! And it's not like he's being paid to critique their vocals or anything!) After Round 3, he said Lauren is his American Idol and thinks America will feel the same way.

At the press conference after the big show, Tyler explained why Lauren is his American Idol and what he saw in her from the beginning: "When I first heard Lauren, seven months ago, it was the second city. You have to go through so many kids and she sang. She doesn't even try to hit the notes, the words just go to that place. Everybody else is trying to hit the notes and she's never had a problem with pitch. Maybe bad songs, but she's been perfect and right and great," he said. "I circled her months ago and said 'American Idol.' Her and about six or seven others, but I heard her first. I mean, how does a 15-year-old sing like that? How does that happen. That's magic, that's the gift and that's what we're looking for."