Best R & B ACT
Amy Winehouse
Leslie Feist has more range, but when it comes to pure octane, it’s
hard to beat Amy Winehouse’s soul-on-bourbon-with-ice bawl. She could
probably take Feist in a punch-up, too. After all, she’s had more
practice. But those tabloid headlines just make us like Winehouse more.
They prove that the live-wire blend of toughness and vulnerability that
echoes through her singing and in the lyrics of her smashes “Rehab” and
“You Know I’m No Good” is the real thing. And honesty in the pop world
deserves to be rewarded. So, Ms. Winehouse, we present your Best Music
Poll tiara for female vocalist, with a Best National R&B Act laurel
to boot. Obviously it’s not just ’cause you’re honest. It’s ’cause
you’re damn good — the owner of one of the most deliciously complex
blood-and-chocolate voices since Nina Simone. What a surprise from a
tiny white Jewish girl from Southgate! But you don’t need us to tell
you how fine you are, with five Grammys under your little black patent
leather belt for Back to Black (Republic), which hit number two on Billboard’s
album charts. To be honest, we’re glad you finally went to rehab. Your
mix of old-school soul and modern-day perspective makes us want to have
you around — even if love is a losing game.
—Ted Drozdowski
See Also: Best Female Vocalist
Runners-up
1. Alicia Keys
2. Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
3. Chris Brown
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