Amy is fresh from the South By Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, and is due to play a string of gigs in the States over the next couple of months.

Amy’s odd tour demands - Mar 21 2007
Amy Winehouse has apparently surprised gig promoters by demanding a pile of calorific treats - and the phone number of a gym.

The Rehab singer wanted her dressing room stocked with bubbly, chocolate bars, crisps and cigarettes so she could unwind after a recent show, reports the Daily Star.

But it seems the party-lover might have felt a bit guilty after her splurge and also wanted the name of somewhere she could work off her excesses.

Amy’s request, which was revealed in a copy of her tour demands, reportedly said: "Very important - name and contact number for the nearest fitness gym."

Meanwhile, it seems Amy’s crew have less fun than she does - she apparently likes them to be sober when she’s performing.

A venue boss told the paper: "Judging by her demands she certainly likes to enjoy herself when she performs.

"But clearly she doesn’t like her crew partying too because she insists they must be sober."

Amy Winehouse is Best British Female - Feb 15 2007
Hell-raising jazz singer Amy Winehouse was the star of the Brits tonight - when she was named British Female Solo Artist. see photos

The 23-year-old beat hotly-tipped Lily Allen and soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae to the fiercely-contended title.

Amy released her acclaimed debut album Frank in 2003 but her personal life and fondness for alcohol has at times threatened to overshadow her musical reputation.

Tonight’s Brit will be vindication for the singer with the distinctive beehive hairdo, whose latest album Back to Black has been a huge critical success.

Amy, who was brought up in a Jewish household in north London, has pioneered a new jazz sound with her extraordinary voice and her urban lyrics which has made her stand out from fellow female artists.

Critics loved her latest album, Back To Black, which has so far sold over 700,000 copies.

And the album’s big hit single has been the aptly titled Rehab. Amy went to a rehab clinic at the behest of her management, who were worried she had a drink problem. But she spent just 15 minutes there before walking out.

"My manager wanted me to go into rehab, but my dad thought differently, and I respected his opinion more," she has said.

Her dad, taxi driver Mitch, was looking on proudly from the audience tonight.

Amy slams weight critics - 07 Feb 07
Rehab singer Amy Winehouse has slammed critics of skinny stars, saying it’s "weight discrimination".

The songstress - who sparked concern when she shed the pounds - spoke out during an MTV special about body image, reports the Daily Star.

"It bothered me when someone said, ’You used to be a role model for curvy women’. I was like, no actually. Go and have a go at Charlotte Church when she loses a stone," the 23-year-old is quoted as saying.

"People say you’re too skinny, it’s like saying you are too fat. It’s weight discrimination."