How Amy Winehouse's death brought out the best in our media
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Inevitably, the British press sank to the occasion with some pitiful coverage of Amy Winehouse's death
The death of Amy Winehouse casts a grim pall over the week. Eager as ever to find a silver lining to absolutely any cloud, Lost in Showbiz notes that at least it brought out the very best in the British media.
It knew things were going to get good from the moment the delectable figure of Dan Wooton, former showbiz editor of News of the World, hoved on to its TV screen. LiS has been a big Wooton fan ever since noting what appeared to be a tireless one-man TV and Twitter campaign to destroy any lasting sympathy the public might have for the NoW's former staff. He was on fine form, apportioning blame left, right and centre, saying things such as "I don't think you can say any death is inevitable" – which either suggested a wildly optimistic approach to the end of life or a man who doesn't know what the word "inevitable" means – and expressing outrage that a trifling matter such as the massacre of 76 people in Norway was somehow deflecting attention from the real issue: "Norway was yesterday. Amy is an icon gone."
Elsewhere, the Daily Mail started very poorly indeed. Amanda Platell was wheeled out to offer her thoughts, accusing Winehouse of inspiring "ladette" culture, which, given that ladette culture flourished 10 years before she made her debut album, seemed a bit like accusing Winehouse of inspiring Britpop, Father Ted and John Redwood's challenge to John Major's leadership of the Conservative party. "I fear she made crack cocaine cool," added Platell, with a certain thundering inevitability, doubtless thinking of the legions of fans who saw photographs of Winehouse staggering around London, bleeding, tearful and dazed and thought: she certainly looks like a woman who's enjoying a blissful life of glamour and happiness, I should try to be a bit more like her.
Platell was trying her best, but it was all so expected, difficult to hear above the clamour of journalists coming up with genuinely original responses to her death, not least the men's magazine that ran a blog suggesting gentlemen might like to honour the singer's life by dressing up like her ex-husband, currently serving 32 months for burglary and possession of a fake firearm: "As he deals with tragedy, Blake Fielder-Civil has exactly the right look." Clearly rattled, the Mail hit back, sending a journalist out to complain about the poor spelling in cards of condolence left outside Winehouse's home.
Good, but no match for the celebrities, who were out in force. Actor Paz de la Huerta thought unflattering photography was to blame: "Maybe if she had not seen so many bad pictures of herself she would have gotten more self-esteem." But ultimately the winner was Alex James, who appeared in the Sun to opine: "Winehouse's death could have happened to me." Lost in Showbiz raises its eyes heavenward and frowns: only if she bored herself to death talking about cheese.
She has two blockbuster films set to debut next month and, to help with the promotions, Charlize Theron graces the cover of the June 2012 issue of Madison magazine.The 36-year-old South African actr [ ... ]
Appearing chic and natural, Jennifer Aniston once again appears in two SmartWater ads that are set to release in the June issues of various magazines.The ads feature the 43-year-old actress looking a [ ... ]
After working up a sweat, Elle Fanning was spotted leaving a dance studio in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday (May 15).Carrying a water bottle and her cell phone, the "We Bought A Zoo" actress made [ ... ]
It’s going to be an exciting time in television this fall, as the ABC network has unveiled some fabulous new shows on deck for their primetime schedule.In the months ahead, shows like “666 Park Av [ ... ]
Doing her best to stay in tip-top physical condition, Vanessa Hudgens was spotted heading to the gym for an early workout in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday (May 15).The former "High School Musica [ ... ]
Thomas F Wilson, who played Biff Tannen in the Back to the Future movies, has a unique way of dealing with over-curious fansThe internet is awash with an image of a card that actor Thomas F Wilson pur [ ... ]
After a consultation with her gender reassignment surgeon, the reality of impending surgery dawns on Juliet Jacques. Is she doing the right thing?I'm finally moving towards the second major stage of t [ ... ]
If Adele, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj are proud to talk about their wigs, there's hope for those of us with bad hairWigs seem to have gone mainstream. How? And why?Orla McGarry, BelfastAs ever [ ... ]
Was your baby's name inspired by a Kardashian, a Twilight werewolf or the reality TV show Glam Fairy? You're not aloneDepending on your view of the world, the name Jacob either makes you think of the [ ... ]
Inspired by the success of Ashleigh and Pudsey, I tried to teach Nellie some new tricks …The triumph of Ashleigh and Pudsey in the Britain's Got Talent final has already got pet-owners across the na [ ... ]
Yoga can help fight stiffness, hardening of the arteries, hormonal fluctuations, depression and loss of bone density. And, says Josephine Fairley, you can start at any ageLooking at the famous photogr [ ... ]
A grinning Maria Menounos had reason to celebrate on Monday night’s (April 30) episode of “Dancing with the Stars” - as she and partner Derek Hough received a perfect score.They are the first [ ... ]
Ready to pass out another batch of golden popcorn trophies, the nominees for the 2012 MTV Movie Awards were unveiled on Monday evening (April 30).With the show being held at the Gibson Amphitheater i [ ... ]
It's been one week since the murder trial for Jennifer Hudson's three family members got underway and, on Monday (April 30), the judge released the emotional 911 call from the "Dreamgirls" star's sis [ ... ]
Coming as music to her adoring fans' ears, Jennifer Lopez took center stage at Boulevard3 in Hollywood, California to make a big announcement on Monday afternoon (April 30).Looking dashing in a peach [ ... ]
Helping to unveil the new look of the network that made them household names, the Kardashian sisters along with their momager, Kris Jenner, attended the E! 2012 Upfront on Monday (April 30).Before hea [ ... ]
'Debo' has sartorial wisdom to share – however old you areI am a 65-year-old woman. Where on the high street should I be buying my clothes?Margaret, BristolI'm going to let you in on a little secret [ ... ]
Once, Nigella ruled. Now there's a battle for her domestic goddess crown – and style is just as important as the ability to whip up a crème brûlée. Meet the contenders…Rachel KhooStyle From her [ ... ]
The 'natural beauty' Beyoncé has taken to Twitter and Tumblr to show us how normal she looks, but that's no bad thingBeyoncé is the most beautiful woman in the world – People magazine told me so. [ ... ]
Looking as if she's all healed up following her blender incident, Miley Cyrus paid a visit to a local Burbank, CA hospital for a doctor's appointment on Thursday (April 26).Accompanied by her mother, [ ... ]
Though she always looks flawless in every outfit we see her in, Scarlett Johansson explained that she's just like every other woman when it comes to body insecurities.In an interview with ITV1's Dayb [ ... ]
With just over two weeks left until its theatrical release is upon us, Phase 4 Films has debuted the red band trailer for the upcoming film titled "Hick".Released via Yahoo! Movies, the two and a half [ ... ]
Capping off a full day in the spotlight, Prince William and Kate Middleton made their grand arrival at the Imperial War Museum in London, England on Thursday evening (April 26).With the Duchess of C [ ... ]
It has been seven years since she split from Brad Pitt, and Jennifer Aniston doesn’t particularly care that her ex popped the question to Angelina Jolie.The “Friends” actress, who is in a lov [ ... ]
