Amy proves she still has star quality

Jul 15 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

Amy proves she still has star quality

TROUBLED star Amy Winehouse showcased the artistry that exists behind the headlines after eventually impressing during a rollercoaster performance at T in the Park.

Given the constant stream of articles, allegations and rumours that threaten to engulf the 24-year-old songstress at any given moment, the fact she even made it on stage was a minor triumph in itself.

After pulling out at the last minute 12 months ago, the TITP crowd were keen for the much-hyped singer to impress.

But several references to her jailbird husband Blake were met with murmurs of discontent.

Her rather mumbled vocals on opener Addicted and slight warbling on Just Friends meant the Camden artist did not get out of the blocks well.

Tottering slightly on ruby red high heels and constantly tugging at her shorts, her fortunes improved as the set wore on and she began to feed off the energy from her impressive backing band.

Hey Little Rich Girl and I Cheated Myself underlined the talent that exists underneath the beehive hairstyle and extravagant eye make-up.

Biggest hit Rehab and ever-popular Zutons cover Valerie sparked the previously impassive main stage crowd into life, giving them a chance to stretch their own vocal chords.

Winehouse’s jazzy vocals and big band produce an almost reggae sound at times, but the interaction the energetic crowd craved – present during so many performances over the weekend – was largely missing here.

However, few artists could deliver an all-encompassing performance in the face of such expectation.

And it is testament to her star quality that she managed to leave the stage in one piece, the smile on her face summing up a set which, while rarely spellbinding, was far from the disaster it could have been.