Natalie Cole whines about Winehouse

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nancy ludlow Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 08:08 PM EST

Natalie,sorry you are not well, but get real, there are a lot of disadvantaged talented people that haven't had the opportunities like you! Get on the phone and help them out, I'll bet you know plenty. A few thoughtless gestures will go a long way to wellness!

Francesca Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:49 PM EST

Huh. . . I didn't know the grammys were handing out awards for personal behaviour.

I guess the awards shows should be like a rehab clinic doling out rewards and punishment accordingly?

I remember in college I hated the kids that could get As while barely studying-however I never petitioned my teachers to flunk them so I felt better.

This isn't about Cole, and I guess she is so desperate to stay in the spotlight that she doesn't care how unappealing a person she makes herself.

I pray we never have a nanny state world that creates award shows like Cole wants.

D.C. in AZ Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST

"SHAME ON YOU NATALIE COLE" FOR YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT AMY WINEHOUSE. SHE WON THESE AWARDS ON HER OWN MERITS AND TALENT. SHE DIDN'T HAVE A FAMOUS FATHER TO HELP HER CAREER. HER DRUG ISSUES HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HER TALENT OR HER MUSIC. MAYBE YOU SHOULD FOCUS ON YOUR OWN RECOVERY AND DEAL WITH WHY YOU LACK COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING FOR ANOTHER ADDICT. YOUR LIFE HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF A TRAIN WRECK, YET YOU JUDGE ANOTHER HUMAN BEING WHO IS GETTING HELP.
HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE KNOW AS THE "FREEBASE QUEEN" AND TURNING YOUR MINISTER HUSBAND ON TO COCAINE? WHY WAS IT OKAY FOR YOU GET AWARDS??? YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT AMY WINEHOUSE ARE HYPOCRITACAL AND SOUND LIKE SOUR GRAPES. YOU'RE THE ONE WITH ISSUES!

carla carmona Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 03:18 AM EST

I dont beleave this women she didnt learn a thing where ever she went to get sober. that girl really dissapointed me . anyways im just another sober addicate sadden by those sick remarks hay natalie maybe you better get back to a meeting or talk to your sponser about the uglyness you fill about a sister addict

Cedric Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 07:15 AM EST

Natalie Cole, who are you crappin'? You are the same woman that went on a national morning news tv program in the 1990's touting that you defeated drug addiction. A couple of years later you then admitted that you in fact got high that very same morning before the interview!

Cedric Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 07:15 AM EST

Natalie Cole, who are you crappin'? You are the same woman that went on a national morning news tv program in the 1990's touting that you defeated drug addiction. A couple of years later you then admitted that you in fact got high that very same morning before the interview!

Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 11:03 PM EST

Nirvana, James Brown, Frank Zappa,

Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 11:01 PM EST

John Coltrane, Natalie Cole, Richard Pryor,

Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 10:59 PM EST

Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, Sly Stone, The Beatles,

D.C. in IA Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 07:21 PM EST

Natalie should be ashamed of herself if the comments were true. But perhaps we should consider the context. HMMMM: A very long evening, very tired, an after-party, LOTS of alcohol for a historical addict. Either the comments are a drunken tirate, a hint of jealousy revealed for a up & coming singer or a publicity stunt for a diminishing star. No matter the basis. She made a poor choice and she probably regrets it. Amy had a great album, a great year and showed class by staying away from the event to her peers and to avoid sentiment displayed by Ms. Cole.

Let's see: 11 hour flight, airport traffic, long lines, and deal with the media & rude industry types OR stay close to home with family, friends and fans, win GRAMMYs, plus sleep in your own bed.... Good Choice, Amy. This brother thinks you did the right thing. Shame on you, Natalie. You of all people should know better than throwing salt on another's addiction problems.

Music Whizzz Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

How come no one says anything about no-talent Fergie winning Grammys when she was so drugged out she peed herself on stage? That's a career highlite - better than HER performance at the Grammys.

pudies Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST

I love how some go on a rant about how Natalie Cole has the right to her opinions and in the same sentence argue that no one else has the right to their opinions on her. . . facinating.

chuck Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

Natalie, when you're own life borders on perfection, then you can stand in judgement of Amy.

How soon we forget.
Chuck

Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 10:13 AM EST

I was more taken back by the word stupid used in the headline to describe the so called feud. I will be glad when African American people realize that these racists so called columnists and journalists do not report anything but hate and indiffernece when it comes to them and we shoulod stop patronizing their hate. Hollywood is full of white dope addicts and alsoholics. That is why they have no problem promoting Amy Whitehouse. African American people do not buy into tis hate. White journalism is an extension of the hate in this country against African American. Let us get together and leave these people to their hate . THEY ARE STUPID!!!!

P.Walsh Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 11:54 PM EST

Dear "Nose", Check the Grammy Award records. Your assertion is nonsense. Ella Fitzgerald won 13 Grammy awards during her life. At the time of her death, she had more Grammy Awards than any other female artist. Her only substance abuse was over work and love for music. She has also won Grammys' after her death. She is no 'Pat Boone', rewarded for clean living, she was rewarded as the "First Lady of Song", a title she earned, did not 'self annoint', because she was the rare combination of critical and commercial acclaim.

Eric Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 10:03 PM EST

Here's my two cents. Giving someone an award should have nothing to do with their personal life. They should be judged by their art. Amy put out one of, if not the best album of the year. She has every right to be rewarded for that. Natalie Cole needs to step off. It's like she just said that to get attention.

Sweet Pea Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:23 PM EST

Many if not most Artist suffer with inner demons. In the past it was private, now people are more open about transgretions. If we disregard singers & actors with substance abuse issues, the Grammys & Oscars wouldn't last more than an hour combined. Talent is talent, and should be appreciated for what it is.

BERTHA MAE Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 05:35 PM EST

Well Natalie Cole doesn't even remember getting a Grammy because she was so drugged out (1975!), and now she says Amy Winehouse shouldn't get one but-Rianna and Beyonce have "staying power"? Help me understand, quick give me some of what Natalie Cole must still be on. Yeah she has the right to express her opinion but so do others - either her opinion is racially motivated or she has some serious perception problems...SORRY SHE SHOULD NOT JUDGE ANYONE! After all, who is she?

BERTHA MAE Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 05:35 PM EST

Well Natalie Cole doesn't even remember getting a Grammy because she was so drugged out (1975!), and now she says Amy Winehouse shouldn't get one but-Rianna and Beyonce have "staying power"? Help me understand, quick give me some of what Natalie Cole must still be on. Yeah she has the right to express her opinion but so do others - either her opinion is racially motivated or she has some serious perception problems...SORRY SHE SHOULD NOT JUDGE ANYONE! After all, who is she?

Idontno Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST

Man O Man,Gary(The Leash)Who pays you to write this sh*t.You proved that you"re worst than the people that you write about.To call yourself a reporter is a disgrace to all the true reporters.It appears to me that you are going around looking for dirt to write about so you an reaction this stupid sh*t.First of all THIS IS AMERICA and people have freedoms and that includes Natalie Cole.She have the freedom to have her opinion and no one have the right to say anything about her opinion.For all you whose jumping on Natalie for speaking her opinion,How many have dorn any type of uniform and spend one night protecting the right to have an opinion(which all of you seems to have).Look it simple,If you think that Ms Cole is only known because of her father,you don"t know Sh*t and you did"nt wear pampers until the 1980"s on.If all you got to do is dump on people for their opinions,you don"t have much of a life!!!!!You can"t hurt Ms Cole with your negativity.So just get a life pleeeessssssssseee

Tom Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 03:47 PM EST

At least these mopes showed some signs of life and recognized Ms. Winehouse's musical contribution.
Album of the Year for next year - knowing their musical "standards" it'll be soundtrack to "I'm Not There."

Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

If Roman Polanski got an Oscar, then Amy Winehouse winning some Grammys shouldn't be making waves. No matter how you feel about Amy Winehouse or Natalie Cole, awards should (ideally) be about talent. Otherwise, musicians wouldn't covet the status of having won them. There are times and places for rewarding "good behaviour". Many celebrities have gotten recognition for their volunteer and charity work, and there are awards shows where the public gets their say. In this case, it shouldn't be a factor.

Amy Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 09:04 AM EST

While I don't disagree that Natalie's comments are a little like the pot calling the kettle black, I can't really go for giving a disgusting crack whore a bunch of awards . . .

orville Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 08:32 AM EST

Since when have awards shows been about sending "messages?" The music industry has always had substance abuse problems of some sort. Are we going to ignore legendary talent just because someone had a substance abuse problem? Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin, Keith Richards, Natalie Cole herself? Wasn't Mozart even considered a bit of a party animal? Yes, substance abuse problems are horrible. Yes, the artists should get help. Yes, some have died, but many have lived. But it's not the place of the Grammy Awards to put on their Nancy Reagan shoes to tell the kiddies to say no to drugs.

SallyinChicago Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 07:28 AM EST

Well, I honestly like that she won "best new artist" because that's the curse of a dying career....we'll see how many people remember her this time next year.

lianne Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 03:49 AM EST

To Sally in Chicago: The only quality that Taylor has is probably that she is an American. Could you be more partial - not to say anything worse? Think not. Oh, and if you are plagued with TOTAL LACK OF TASTE and only hear music by beautiful people (hello! superficial!) perhaps you should stay away from these posts.

lianne Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 03:46 AM EST

To Nicol: How stupid can you possibly be? They come down on athletes that take drugs because they actually help them WIN! Can you possibly think that an actor or a singer is helped by the drug addiction!? And what was that comment about Ledger? Shame on you!

Jonathan Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 12:56 AM EST

Genius Article. Love the last bit.

Ben Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 12:14 AM EST

The Bottomline:

The Grammys awards are given based on outstanding achievements in the record industry, not personal lives or demons of the artist. Natlie Cole is a massive talent but in 1975 when Cole won her first Grammys, she was also struggling with sobriety, and didn't even enter treatment for a decade. Amy Winehouse was awarded because of her exceptional talent despite her personal demons and is even presently in treatment seeking sobriety. If the award show had anything to do with celebrating personal issues, which it does not, you could only conclude that they were congratulating a person who decided to tackle her addictions. However it does not and has nothing to with the Grammys. No one is excusing Amy's past behavior but Cole's statement is complete hypocrisy.

Lynny Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:55 PM EST

To SallyinChicago - These are not the "worked harder" awards, these are awards for the best music of the year. Taylor is cute and all, but not there yet.

adfasdf Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:46 PM EST

"Now, being rewarded for capitalizing on the fame of your more-renowned father by recording duets with his unwitting corpse, that's a better message to send, apparently."

That was inappropriate.

SallyinChicago Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:12 PM EST

Thank you Charles Brown for writing what a lot of think about AW....I can't stand to look at her...she purposely makes herself fugly...she doesn't like herself very much maybe that's how she gets inspiration to write those "rehab" songs :)

SallyinChicago Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 11:09 PM EST

Kathie Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:14 PM EST

PAAA-LEEEESSSEEEEEE Natalie Cole was ALL screwed up on drugs through the 80s.....and she only became famous because of her father.......please Natalie, can you say JEALOUS!!!!!

PLEASE! Natalie had hits lots of hits and was a threat to Aretha back in the day....she didn't get where she is on the back of her father--PLEeezzz...and she's saying what a lot of people were thinking -- it should have gone to AN AMERICAN who sold MORE RECORDS THAN AMY WINO DID...but the press played up AW and wrote about her all year long because her fugly face was in the papers....how can you NOT vote for somebody who gets all that controversial press? i just want to know who voted for her? She may have deserved 1 or 2 awards but FIVE!!!! AND BEST NEW ARTIST??? Come on now. Taylor Swift worked harder than AW did...it's about working hard...and AW is a slacker. See my prev. messgs.

SH Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 10:27 PM EST

Sure, Amy's personal life is a big, freakin' mess, but the Grammys aren't handed out based on whose life is the most together (otherwise the horrid Rihanna would've won Record of the Year). If I remember correctly, Natalie wasn't exactly on the straight and narrow, but no one knocks (or should knock) on her artisitic achievements and awards for them. Who knows? Maybe getting the awards will make her see that the drugs will kill her before she gets the chance to full tap what she can do.

Lynny Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 09:39 PM EST

So glad to see someone addressing this. I would have smacked her in the face if I had been there. What a way to try and step on a great artist's big night. No, Amy is not slick and robotic with an army of publicists. She is a talented singer, and writes her own amazing songs (thank you very much). Natalie can suck it- hypocritical hag.

Sports Chick Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:52 PM EST

I thought the Grammy's were about rewarding a performer's musical contribution for the year. With that said, Amy W. definitely deserved the recognition she got -- her album was terrific and refreshing. Since when should an artist's personal life impact recognition for a job well done?! Think about what life would be like without the great music troubled artists had put out -- Billy Holiday, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, even Michael Jackson -- to name just a few. At least Amy's getting help. Natalie Cole should be ashamed of herself!

sam Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:52 PM EST

Actually, Natalie Cole had more hits than the duet with her father--which she did because he was her father and she had always wanted to sing with him--it was very original at the time and quite touching to see--certainly a lot better than pulling out the random film of Sinatra or Elvis and singing along with it as Celine Dion and Alicia Keyes have done. Natalie is a very good singer--she may have said something tactless, but that is no reason to attack her talent or to disrespect her father, one of the greatest singers of all time.

Snarf Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:31 PM EST

Oh, snap! "Hi I'm Natalie Cole, and my sh*t don't stink".

Kathie Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 08:14 PM EST

PAAA-LEEEESSSEEEEEE Natalie Cole was ALL screwed up on drugs through the 80s.....and she only became famous because of her father.......please Natalie, can you say JEALOUS!!!!!

Sammy D Kat Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 07:17 PM EST

Just because someone is a drunk, doesn't mean they don't have talent. Look at Chet Baker and Billie Holiday. Natalie Cole is just jealous that she doesn't have an ounce of Amy Winehouse's talent. Amy may be a skanky ho, but she can sing. Go away Natalie, no one wants to see you mooch off of your dead father anymore.

D. Sumner Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 06:46 PM EST

Miss Cole this....Amy W. that.....who cares.....drugs are not cool...period.

stephen Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 06:45 PM EST

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20014267,00.html
That's EW's review for "Back to Black" a year ago. This was before shee gained a bad girl image outside of England. So, accolades were always in the cards for Amy. Plus, her original CD "Frank" won her awards, pre-addiction days.

Melissa Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 06:42 PM EST

To Charles Brown:
THANK YOU for reading my mind. I think her music is awful.

sam Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 06:33 PM EST

Ms. Cole is lacking in tact, but I understand her feelings. Even though I think that Amy is talented, the real reason that we all know her is because of her extreme behavior this year. Every time I have heard about her, it had to do with drugs, looking like she was on drugs, insulting her audience by showing up apparently under the influence and not being able to perform, legal trouble, etc.. Would she have won the Grammy's without that behavior constantly putting her in everybody's faces? I don't think so. These days, that kind of behavior makes you famous and if it doesn't kill you (as unfortunately it sometimes does), it gets you magazine covers and awards. I hope that she follows through with rehab--her song probably discouraged a lot of people from seeking the help that they need.There is something disturbing about awarding that, also.

Nicol Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 06:06 PM EST

I think they should crack down on crack heads and OD's. like Ledger. They do it to sports idols they should do it to ALL famous people

bob buz Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 05:56 PM EST

Amy who cares about the Grammys . Love the whole show . Love your art your voice. the show goes on with or without the win . Enjoy your talent

op Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 05:29 PM EST

What an insensitive commment. Way to go Natalie. Guess you forgot about your own drug days. You just made yourself look like a fool.

Sally in Chicago Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST

Let's take a vote: Who is more PLEASING TO LOOK AT? Yeh, you know Natalie is. That's one of my points. When I think of going to see somebody perform I want not only somebody who sings and performs, but somebody who LOOKS GOOD.
Thumbs down to Amy Wino.

did you know Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

that durning the 70s Natalie Cole had substance abuse problems i remember it for Behind the Music.

jason Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:41 PM EST

like lauryn hill, even if amy never releases another album, we have the masterpiece that is "back to black". i enjoyed the grammy performance, ticks and all, she rocks my world. same with "miseducation", i can listen to that until i die. btw, is any video station going to play the video for "back to black"? if anyone out there has seen it except me, i hope you agree that is an awesome video and the best song on the CD, imho. i like artists who aren't perfect, rock on amy

america's next top doll Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:32 PM EST

The Grammy's are based on musical talent not on a singer's personal life, therefore Amy Winehouse is very deserving of the Grammy awards she received. She is on the path towards recovery, and her wins at the Grammy's will motivate her to change her habits.

Charles Brown Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

I don't care what she does with her personal life! My complaint was, where is the talent? I think she stinks!

Just Saying Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

Mel Gibson's won plenty of awards and is racist and anti semetic.
Same for Vanessa Redgrave....

Doris Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

I think Natalie Cole should really think twice before opening her mouth, with that been said, the girl can sing!

Courtney Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST

I agree, some artists work so hard, and then we have a girl who can't sing live, who just twitches her addictions away and DEFINITELY flaunts it like some said, and wastes her celebrity... and gets rewarded. That's the point. Not that those struggling through addictions or whatever can't make great music. They have in the past, for sure. But they still worked hard. Amy's a spoiled brat who doesn't deserve anything.

Rosie Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST

If Grammy voters reward talent just based on the disc alone, I can see Winehouse getting some noms. But the chick can't perform because of her addictions, and her voice has no quality outside of the recording studio anymore; a lot of artists are like that, but hers is probably because of drugs. Perhaps Cole was trying to say that, that Winehouse has wasted her talents and didn't deserve to perform when she's cleaned up a little--she did wash her beehive--but wasn't ready. I couldn't bear to listen to that crazy version of "Rehab." I hope Amy gets clean and goes away myself. But to say all artists going through addictions never make great music that deserves recognition, that's crazy. It's just maybe we shouldn't be honoring the artists THEMSELVES with crazy godlike worship as we did Amy at the Grammys, like she was this amazing creature. She's, um, not. And yes, great artists of the past--Ray Charles, Johnny Cash--at least didn't have YouTube videos and were classier addicts. heh.

Lianne Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 03:47 PM EST

Amy Winehouse is the best thing that happened to music ever since Dinah Washington passed away. I was overjoyed for her wins, because they clearly showed that they are based on someone's worth and talent and NOT their personal life. They're music awards, for crying out loud, not personality awards. I'm not happy about her drug addiction but that is her problem. My only worry is that she will deprive the world of the best voice we've heard in years and years. And, I cannot imagine a best record for 2007, I've spent every single day listening to it. Hail Amy!

Sally in Chicago Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

Most artists have the good taste to "hide" their addictions and still put on the show. We all know they're either drunks or druggies, but we don't know it until they make it public. I don't want to know, but AW wants us to know it. She flaunts it in our faces.

Sally in Chicago Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

Most artists have the good taste to "hide" their addictions and still put on the show. We all know they're either drunks or druggies, but we don't know it until they make it public. I don't want to know, but AW wants us to know it. She flaunts it in our faces.

Sally in Chicago Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

To Jen-Jen: Yeh but Natalie's not a "slacker". All Amy does is f**ck up whenever she gets a gig. They pay her the money to perform, she goes onstage and can't remember words, slurs the words, gets the money and goes does her thing. I don't remember Natalie NOT working her a** off and getting a bad reputation as a poor performer.
That's the diff between AW and the other young singers/performers. They work work work and do what it takes to get to the top. Amy gets her little stash of money and goes off somewhere and reappears when it fits her career.
I think she's overrated as a singer. Maybe not a songwriter. But I also think Bob Dylan can't sing -- great songwriter. You know there is such as a thing as a great songwriter and a lousy singer.

Sally in Chicago Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

I can listen to Natalie Cole sing till the cows come home; I can watch Beyonce perform till the cows come home; I cannot watch AW anywhere anytime because she is HARD TO LOOK AT; and as for her singing -- has anybody heard "Sharon Jones" and the Dap Kings? Amy uses the Dap as her band. No difference. Except I can watch Sharon Jones. Amy looks like a wreck.
And I predict she will be a non-entity this time next year. People would have forgotten her -- except for the tabloids. She's Lauryn Hilled. Yes I wrote that "Lauryn Hill". There's always some trashy singer who self-wrecks their career and put Amy in that classification. And I agree with Natalie but not with "how she said it"....what Natalie was saying is that Umbrella sold MORE records than AW did and it didn't win doo-doo....and there were others more worthy in the new artist - like Taylor Swift who's been working her a** off in the business as a 18 y.o. Let's give some credit to the hard workers, not the slackers.

JenJen Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

i cant believe that the kettle is calling the pot black (so to speak) im sure that most of us or at least most of us in the african-american society can remember that Natalie has had her days with drugs too so why the negative comment about someone that is struggling with an addiction as Natalie is herself everyday. we all know that once a recovering addict always a recovering addict. all im saying is you shouldnt judge if you are in no shape to judge. we should all just keep encouraging Amy to get the professional help she needs (just as someone who cared about Natalie did) until she gets it and uses it to serve its purpose. im praying for her and her family in her time of need.

Rebecca Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

If you read her article in people article, it says:

"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.'"

Imagine that.

emily Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

Grammys sorry. Why she is she complaining anway she has tons of grammys.

Did Someone Get Told? Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

OH SNAP!

emily Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

Natalie is so dumb. They are not rewarding her bad behavior they liked her music and felt she was worthy of those wins. If only nice hardworking people with no personal problems were to get nomiated there will be only people like Pat Boone that win. Countless singers and musicains have had drug problems. The Beatles were into LSD. So Nat is saying because they are into drugs that they are not worthy of a stupid emmy.

Michael Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:51 PM EST

I think the worst thing about all this was that tasteless comment about Nat King Cole at the end of the article.

Nat X Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:51 PM EST

Anyone else remember the SNL sketch, "Natalie Cole Sings with Her Dad's Dead Friends." John Goodman as "Old, Fat Elvis" singing "In the Ghetto." Awesome.

Nat X Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:48 PM EST

I have several of the Grammy-nominated albums on my iPod, but "Back to Black" is one of the only ones I'm still not sick of. Anyway, I hate hearing about AW in the news cuz I don't want it to ruin my experience with her music. That being said, I am a huge R Kelly fan, and I can separate his personal problems from his music. Amy (or, more likely, her producers) deserve kudos for her album. I think that she's a moron, but that doesn't mean she can't be talented. Maybe the Oscars shouldn't nominate actors who cheated on their spouses. Where do you draw the line?

Mary Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

I don't really care for her songs, I think she could be picking better material to sing. She has a tremendous voice, and needs to use her talent for better songs.

Marky Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

I don't really care for her songs, I think she could be picking better material to sing. She has a tremendous voice, and needs to use her talent for better songs.

Heather Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

I don't get the whining about Amy getting an award for musical achievement. However, had Natalie gone off on how the audiences seem to *encourage* Amy to keep up the destructive behavior because it's what makes her, her...that I'd say feel free to go off on. For God's sake - her dying is way worse than her not being "as creative and ballsy" because she's on drugs and alcohol.

Maggs Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:19 PM EST

They are called the Grammy Awards not the What Would Jesus Do Awards.

sarah Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:19 PM EST

How did Rehab become a hit?? The lyrics are awful and the song itself is monotone and coma inducing. Amy Winehouse makes me want to throw up when I see her for how unhealthy she looks.

Stephen Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:18 PM EST

It was wrong for Natalie to say it, because Amy is getting help. It's not like she smoked crack after winning. The girl is in rehab, and is taking the right steps toward recovery. Had natalie said this two months ago, then I'd agree.
Who knows, maybe the wins will push Amy towards recovery more. the look on her face when she won, and the way she grabbed her mom, were the actions of a little girl lost, finally realizing how lucky she is.

Odehyah Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:12 PM EST

Frankly I agree with Natalie. Giving Amy Winehouse 5 Grammys and allowing her to perform at the Grammys definitely sends the wrong message to people young and old - that being a druggie is okay because you'll be lauded by the industry and fans alike. Yes Natalie did drugs, but she cleaned up her act. I want to see Amy clean up her act and THEN we can give her the praise her talent deserves. Until then, I won't listen to Amy's music or buy her CDs. Nor will I condone anyone who demonstrates criminalistic behavior. There's enough decent talent out there to praise without doling out anything to druggies and other criminals.

tvslave Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

Natalie who? is right. Her memory seems to be pretty selective.
Boohisss...

grumpy Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

Can you imagine what the history of pop music would be like without all the drunks, stoners and users? We would all be listening to nothing but Pat Boone, Josh Groban, and maybe Mouseketeer-era Britney and Justin. Sadly, great artists often end up self-medicating to deal with the insanity of fame. Not fair or laudable, but largely unavoidable.

Stephanie T. Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

ICBM: Talent or no talent, Natalie called the kettle black. That's the point. It's like when Whoopi Goldberg made the comment about Imus making a bad taste joke about the Rutgers Unviersity girls basketball team, yet she once got her ex Ted Danson to dress up in a minstrel costume.

Liz Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

Yes, we know, that singers, actors and all other entertainers don't do drugs. WHATEVER!!! If awards were given only to entertainers who did not do drugs, didn't drink, smoke, act out or display bad behavior or judgement then very few would qualify. Unfortunately, the entertainment industry is riddled with addiction as it has been for many years. It is not Natilie Cole's place to make such a comment and awards have never been based on anything but talent and sales and will continue to be so.
Natalie, mind your own business.

lcbm Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

Natalie Cole has talent!!
This Amy person has no talent and I guess that just goes to show what the biz is all about now a days.
It's all about the drugs and acting like a idiot!!!

myopinion Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

Yes, Cole was wrong to say it. Bad judgement on her part. That being said, Winehouse reminds me a bit of Billie Holliday, and we all know how that ended. You could also make a comparison to Sid and Nancy. Sure, she has talent, but her lyrics are as depressing as she is so I can relate to Ms. Coles misguided statement about rewarding misfits. I think we can all agree that those who abuse drugs will lose unless they find the courage to stop. Now there's a good reason to give out an award.

paige Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

ouch. natalie cole just got beat... haha... mind your business bi***

T-Rex Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

I think the Grammys got their reward in the form of the third lowest watched broadcast ever. I look forward to watching the Grammys on CMT in the not tooo distant future.

Ms Daisy Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

Amy's response...Who the "f" is Natalie Cole?

dma69 Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:38 PM EST

Pot. Meet kettle.

Fatima Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

Ouch! Cole got a well deserved but extra brutal attack here.

Scott K Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

It's like the crackhead calling the crackhead a crackhead. Shut up Natalie Cole, you have lost your relevance.

j Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

I mean, even the Beatles were into drugs at the end there. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones- give Amy Winehouse a break- she seems to be doing better laying low for a while- no need to ruin a great moment for one of the few new young artists with some actual talent.

Nathan Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST

I think giving Grammys to Natalie Cole sends the wrong message, using her dead father to grab sympathy votes for "Unforgettable" and simply just rewarding lame crap like that.

Matchkitjohn Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:22 PM EST

No one is going to dispute that she needs to clean up her act. But the awards are based on her performance. Maybe she will realize that she was able to enjoy that moment because she wasn't high at the time.

Bobby Rowe Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

I thought her statement was ridiculous even after I learned of her own addictions.

When a friend first told me about it almost a year ago, I told her I felt like I was listening to someone I'd be listening to for the rest of my life. Slowly but surely, Amy Winehouse the personality has overcome the artist in my perception of her.

The Grammy's coming up have caused me to relook at Back To Black, and remember how great it is. They are a time to think of what the best records of the past year were, and that alone. If anything, I think that her addictions DID hurt her, she may have won 5 awards, but lost the big one to Herbie Hancock. It was a choice that seemed...safe.

JoeC Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

While I disagree with Natalie's statements, c'mon; why does everyone have to drag her name through the mud to make their points? We'll see where Amy goes from here, while Natalie Cole was/is a legend, long before that 'Unforgettable' CD.

Crystal Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

Exactly, Nose. This is not a valid argument from Ms Cole. Congrats to Amy, due to her TALENT, which is all that matters in this case.

Nose Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

If they didn't give out awards based on a nominee's substance abuse, hardly any would be handed out.

Stephanie T. Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

Natalie Cole, daughter of the late American Standards hero Nat King-Cole, started using illegal yet recreational narcotics while in attendance at the University of Massechusettes at Amherst. Cole has admitted to using LSD, Crack cocaine, and Heroin. Her youngest son Robert nearly drowned in her swimming pool while she and her first husband the late Reverend Marvin Yancy were on a drug bindge. She even wrote a biography about her battle called "Angel On My Shoulder". I am not sure why she whined. She won TWO Grammys in 1975 for best R&B vocal performance, female, and for best new artist of the year-and SHE WAS HIGH THE WHOLE TIME! Quit whining and give back the trophies if you have issues. Drug user musicians should not win awards yet some people like Eric Clapton fought back and are better than what they once were.

katie g Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

Basically every musician we consider Genuis were/are drug users.
sad, but true...so why are we going to decide Winehouse is unworthy of her awards?
Her personal life may be in the crapper - but her album/singles were gold, and defined music this year.

Elizabeth Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

Sorry Gary - guess I wasn't the only one with a good memory and a sense of irony to slam Ms. Cole's career choice. My bad, readers, my bad.