Visa Denied, Amy Winehouse to Be Performing at the Grammys Via Satellite

Thu, 07 February 2008 21:10:14 ET

Visa Denied, Amy Winehouse to Be Performing at the Grammys Via Satellite Though she cannot attend the Grammy Awards on Sunday (10.02.08) because her U.S. visa has been denied, Amy Winehouse is still expected to be performing material from her acclaimed album "Back to Black" for the prestigious awards ceremony. According to Entertainment Weekly, a music executive close to the special event claimed that the singer who was nominated for multiple Grammys will still be performing via satellite. Further, it was said that if the British rising star singer wins, she will also accept her award through the satellite connection.

On Thursday (07.02.08), the 24-year-old singer's representative explained that Winehouse won't be able to attend the awards event because of the turning down of her visa application by the US Embassy in London. The spokesman released statement saying, "Amy Winehouse will not be performing at this year's Grammy Awards ceremony. Unfortunately, her application for a visa to enter the United States of America has been rejected at this time by the American Embassy in London."

The statement further noted that though disappointed by the ruling, the troubled singer has accepted the decision and will focus on her recovery. It read, "Amy has been progressing well since entering a rehabilitation clinic two weeks ago and although disappointed with the decision has accepted the ruling and will be concentrating on her recovery." It then continued, "Amy has been treated well and fairly by the Embassy staff and thanks everyone for their support in trying to make this happen. There will of course be other opportunities and she very much looks forward to visiting America in the near future."

Although the statement didn't let out hint the reasons behind the visa denial, many speculated that the ruling was made due to her history of substance abuse added by the recent leaking online video showing the "Rehab" hitmaker apparently smoking crack cocaine from a glass pipe. Meanwhile, on the Grammys' nods, Winehouse is up for six Grammy counts, including Record of the Year for "Rehab" and Album of the Year for "Back To Black".