Natalie Cole On Amy Winehouse's Grammy Wins: 'We Have To Stop Rewarding Bad Behavior'

By Access HollywoodFebruary 11, 2008, 4:37 pm PST

Natalie Cole has taken aim at Amy Winehouse's five Grammy wins on Sunday night.

"I don't think she should have won," Cole said of the British singer's triumphs, People reported. "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."

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Cole, the daughter of late signing legend Nat King Cole, said that giving Winehouse, who is currently in rehab the accolades, was a bad move.

"We have to stop rewarding bad behavior," she said.

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Winehouse entered rehab in January to recover from "drug addiction," her label said in a statement last month.

Winehouse took a short break from rehab to follow up on her visa status for the Grammys. Though she was originally denied a visa to the U.S., she was granted one at the last minute.

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The "Back To Black" singer chose to stay in the UK despite the visa, instead doing a live performance from London for the Grammys telecast, singing "I'm No Good" and "Rehab."

"Her performance was fine," Cole said. "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."

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Despite Winehouse's attempt to overcome her struggles, Cole continued to suggest she should not have received the awards.

"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," Cole said.

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Cole, who overcame her own drug addictions in the early 1980s, drove home her point of the seriousness of what she believes Winehouse is going through.

"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," Cole said. "This is about discipline and hard work, and you don't get to just do your drugs and go onstage and get rewarded."

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comments

comments 1-10 of 204  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest
  • jade
    Hey Natalie, not-a-lie, couzz. Removing your music be in order of the same druggin' sound in a different mood. But Amy can hold her own.
    report abuseposted July 16, 2008, 8:11 am PDT
  • Martin
    Amy Crackhouse is a vile creature............and I totally agree with what Natalie Cole said...........handing out awards to losers sends out the wrong messages...........but it seems nobody can do wrong in this f--ked up country anymore.
    report abuseposted March 30, 2008, 2:55 pm PDT
  • davemau8
    Let's face it. Amy Winehouse is way more famous because she's a crackhead than she ever would be for her music. If she led a decent life and put out the same music you probably never would have heard her name. What's she always in the news for? Certainly not for her music...
    report abuseposted February 22, 2008, 9:07 pm PST
  • tara
    well, i sort of think Natalie Cole is right... i mean-we really shouldnt be giving her credit for being on drugs... but then again... she IS talented...
    report abuseposted February 22, 2008, 6:40 pm PST
  • Big Fella
    None of these people are role models, your darn parents should be, if not them someone you can realistically be. I would love for my son or daughter to have her vocal skills, just like I'd like for my son to play defense like Ron Artest, but I do not want him to be like Ron Artest. You parents need to get on your jobs, stop deferring parenting too the TV and internet.....
    report abuseposted February 21, 2008, 1:24 pm PST
  • Big Fella
    Natalie Cole is one of the first big drug addicts on the music scene, should she be the one to point fingers. Amy Winehouse is amazing and hope that she continues getting help and rids herself of that bum of a husband. Nat Cole kiss my arse, you can hold Amy's dirty thong.....
    report abuseposted February 21, 2008, 1:21 pm PST
  • Bridget
    I'd like to know when the grammy's became based on home life, not talent. Yes, it's true she has a drug addiction; but how many other celebrities are honored or were honored that were battling the same thing? Natalie Cole has no right to say Amy didn't deserve the awards. She totally did. Her voice and music is amazing, let's leave the drugs out of it and qu
    report abuseposted February 21, 2008, 8:37 am PST
  • chevella70
    Personally, I don't like Amy Winehouse's music. I also don't consider her a role model for anyone! However, Ms. Cole is by no means a saint, and it is obvious that she is jealous. I don't think Winehouse deserves a Grammy. Nevermind the fact that she is a terrible role model who should not be given so much publicity; the fact is that her music just isn't tha
    report abuseposted February 21, 2008, 7:32 am PST
  • ♥annie♥
    RACHAEL 19........You quote the bible and it's beliefs.....But still manage to insult people....Your a FAKE....How extremely sad for you!!
    report abuseposted February 20, 2008, 11:49 pm PST
  • Rosie
    down my throught telling my I'm wrong. Good point Firefly, God doesn't hate anyone!
    report abuseposted February 20, 2008, 2:05 pm PST
comments 1-10 of 204  | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

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