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Natalie Cole: Amy's Wins Send a 'Bad Message'
Dr. Phil, move over. There's a new advocate for tough love on the circuit: Natalie Cole.
The multiple Grammy winner – her first win, in 1975, was for best new artist of the year – told PEOPLE at Sunday's Warner Music Group post-Grammy party that she took a dim view of Amy Winehouse's awards sweep at the Grammy ceremony earlier in the evening.
"I don't think she should have won. I think it sends a bad message to our young people who are trying to get into this business, the ones who are trying to do it right and really trying to keep themselves together," said Cole, 58. "We have to stop rewarding bad behavior."
Of Winehouse, 24, who is currently in rehab in England, Cole says: "I'm sorry. I think the girl is talented, gifted, but it's not right for her to be able to have her cake and eat it too. She needs to get herself together."
On the seriousness of Winehouse's troubles, Cole – who over the years has battled her own substance-abuse problems, successfully – observes, "I mean, she could die. This isn't something that's cute and fun just to throw around in the press. The girl really has a problem, and I think for those of us who have been in the business long enough, we know the sacrifice it takes. This is about discipline and hard work, and you don't get to just do your drugs and go onstage and get rewarded."
Performance 'Fine'
In all, Winehouse won five Grammys – including record of the year, song of the year and best new artist. She also rocked the crowd inside Los Angeles's Staples Center with a live-via-satellite rendition of "You Know I'm No Good" and "Rehab."
"Her performance was fine," surmised Cole. "I don't take anything away from her talent, but I just feel like she's stepping into a place that she hasn't earned yet."
As for whom Cole, whose new jazz CD will be out in August, would have lavished with Grammy gold, the singer replied, "Rihanna, even Beyoncé. "I just feel like they're ready to go the long haul. You can tell how hard they work, they're great people, their heart is in the right place. These are the people we should be praising, these are the people we should be encouraging."
She added, "And the others, we need to help them."
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Natalie Cole: Amy's Wins Send a 'Bad Message'
The problem is that the "academy" judges on the recordings and not the personality. Amy Winehouse happens to be out there in terms of her addictions. Just think of the drugs that some of music's greatest talents consumed while they made some of the world's best music. Without weed (and I don't smoke it nor do I condone illegal drug use), there never would have been Abbey Road.
Message edited 2/11/2008 6:18:39 PM.
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JessInCA
live laugh love
Member since 8/06 5082 total posts
Name:
Jess
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Re: Natalie Cole: Amy's Wins Send a 'Bad Message'
I respectfully disagree with Natalie Cole. Amy Winehouse was not rewarded for bad behavior - she was rewarded in spite of it. The Grammys are given for making good music, not for staying off drugs.
I'll agree with her that it's unfortunate when people like Amy are celebrated, when other hardworking singers who make healthy choices and are seemingly good people aren't rewarded. But that's life...
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Natalie Cole: Amy's Wins Send a 'Bad Message'
I can sense bitterness, jealousy and resentment. I feel she is transpositing her OWN battle with substance abuse with Amy W. Because she had a certain experience with it and had to overcome to become a "better" person does not mean Amy should follow Natalie's path of recovery and experience and wait to be rewarded until she gets "clean". This is not a reward for good behavior or because you are not old enough.
Time to grow up yourself Natalie!!!
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sometimesmommy
Always in my heart.....
Member since 11/06 6686 total posts
Name:
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Re: Natalie Cole: Amy's Wins Send a 'Bad Message'
Posted by smdl
I can sense bitterness, jealousy and resentment. I feel she is transpositing her OWN battle with substance abuse with Amy W. Because she had a certain experience with it and had to overcome to become a "better" person does not mean Amy should follow Natalie's path of recovery and experience and wait to be rewarded until she gets "clean". This is not a reward for good behavior or because you are not old enough.
Time to grow up yourself Natalie!!!
well said. addict or not Winehouse makes great music and thats what the Grammys recognize. She is not sending a bad messge-why??? Cause amy Winehouse and her music doesnt raise my kids---I do.
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