Friday, June 27, 2008 - Amy, please say "Yes" for rehab!

Winehouse — famous for her rebellious anthem "Rehab" — was photographed with a cigarette dangling from her lips as she left the hospital where she was rushed after fainting (yet again) a few days ago.  Winehouse's father said her crack and cigarette smoking had so damaged her lungs, she was risking emphysema and death if she didn't clean up.

It was a potent symbol of how Winehouse's troubles have multiplied since February, when she was enjoying the triumph of her young career.

There she was, before a worldwide audience, surrounded by family after winning a record-tying five Grammys for her album "Back to Black." True, the 23-year-old Brit couldn't make it to the Los Angeles show — she had finally entered a rehabilitation clinic. But the Grammys were still a brilliant achievement after months of reported drug use, attempts at rehab, canceled performances and erratic behavior.

Immediately after the Feb. 10 ceremony, there was talk of relaunching her American tour. "There was a sense that maybe she was going to turn it around and she was going to get it together and it was going to be a great feel-good story," said veteran music journalist Alan Light.

"We all have a walk in life," legendary singer Chaka Khan, herself a past user of drugs, said backstage after Winehouse's wins. "We have hard and difficult times and going through that chaos often leads to clarity."

But since being released from the hospital this week, the only thing that's gotten clearer is how deeply troubled Winehouse remains. Police have investigated her for an alleged assault and for drug use; she's been photographed looking particularly wan and disheveled, with pockmarks on her face and marks on her arms; videotapes have been released showing disturbing behavior, including one where she sang a song full of racial slurs. Her father was quoted as saying she had only "70 percent lung capacity."

It seems these days that those who reach fame and wealth fast are unable to handle the pressure and responsibilty that comes with its power...  After all, Winehouse is not the only one waiting to get in-line at the 'rehab' facilities... Britney, Whitney  and many more are either trying to get in or  get out...