January 14, 2009 15:59

Amy Winehouse named 'creative innovator' by government committee

Singer's label boss calls her a 'great British talent'

Photo Gallery: Amy Winehouse
Photo: Danny North

Amy Winehouse's performance at the 2008 Grammy Awards has been nominated as the most important creative innovation of the past year.

Winehouse performed 'You Know I'm No Good' and 'Rehab' at the 2008 Grammys via satellite from her native London. She also won five gongs at the awards.

Lucian Grainge, the chairman and chief executive of Universal Music Group, nominated Winehouse (who is signed to the label) for the honour as part of the Creativity & Business International Network's (C&binet) creative business review of 2008.

C&binet is a government-supported international network, and not-for-profit venture that is designed to bring focus and leadership on the future of Britain's creative economy.

"I've nominated her because she's an example of what I feel is great British talent, both as a songwriter as well as a performer," Grainge told Cabinetforum.org.

"Unique artists so often pay a steep personal price for their gift. Creativity burns bright and dark; there are shadows, there is conflict. When she's at her best, Amy Winehouse conquers the demons."

Although no single prize is to be given, the nominations are aimed to celebrate the diversity of creative talent in Britain.

Each of C&binet's 24 'ambassadors', who also include Last.fm's Spencer Hyman and Andy Duncan, Chief Executive of Channel 4, are due to provide nominations.