British Winehouse cancels more shows after reported OD leads her to treatment

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood TodayAFP) 8/18/07 – Irony of ironies, hit British soulster Amy Winehouse has canceled more shows and is in rehab, after making it to the top with an anti-rehab song.

The Rolling Stone covergirl has scrapped even more upcoming shows to reportedly cope with drinking and substance abuse.

Winehouse, 23, whose best-known hit “Rehab” is about her refusal to attend an alcohol rehabilitation center, checked into a $20,000 treatment center after a reported alcohol and drug overdose.

She went home Wednesday but insisted Thursday it was simply to collect a guitar. “I’m fine. I’ve put on half a stone (about seven pounds) and I feel fine,” she told BBC radio outside her native north London home.

Asked if reports of her drug abuse were correct, she said: “I wouldn’t say so, no.”

The 23-year-old, whose drinking habits have been well documented in British newspapers, has pulled out of this weekend’s huge V Festival in the UK, “to deal with health issues,” according to spokesperson Tracey Miller.

Winehouse, named best British female solo artist at the Brit Awards in February, will also miss France’s Rock en Seine festival, where she was scheduled to perform Thursday.

“Amy Winehouse is putting all her touring commitments for this month on hold until further notice in order to address her health issues,” Miller said in a statement.

“Amy will now not be performing at this weekend’s V Festival in Chelmsford and Staffordshire. Her family has requested that the media respect Amy’s privacy at this time.”

The singer was taken to hospital last week for what her record company called “severe exhaustion”.

Reports alleged she had taken a cocktail of alcohol and various hard drugs.

Her husband Blake Fielder-Civil admitted Thursday she had “a few problems.” “It’s been a difficult time for me and Amy, the fact is we are still together and going back to the place tonight,” he said.

“The main thing is that me and Amy are getting better. Don’t worry, she’s being looked after. We’re going back to this retreat. She’s determined to get well.

“It’s not as bad as everyone thinks but she’s fine, she’s loved and looked after.”

Winehouse has been nominated for best newcomer and female artist of the year at the MTV Video Music Awards, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 9.

The singer is scheduled to tour Canada and the United States next month and Europe in October.