The Philippine Online Chronicles

British singer Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London residence, Saturday afternoon. She was 27 years old.

In a statement, the London Metropolitan Police said, "Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square NW1 shortly before 16.05hrs today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased. On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained."

The Grammy-winning singer had a long history of substance and alcohol abuse although the cause of her death is still undetermined. Winehouse entered rehabilitation in late 2007 for drug problems, including heroin use. Last May, she checked back into treatment.

Known for her black beehive hairdo, Winehouse shot to fame in 2006 with the album "Back to Black"that includes the hit single “You Know I'm No Good/Rehab.” Drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders and destructive relationships soon took over her career. She was the first British singer to win five Grammys.

Her last performance was a surprise appearance at the iTunes Festival last July 20th.

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Online reactions

Entertainment blogger Perez Hilton reports that insiders told him that drugs were not likely an immediate factor in Winehouse's death, though alcohol may have been.

Shocked by the news of Winehouse's death, artists expressed their reactions and condolencesthrough the social networking site Twitter. Katy Perry tweeted, "RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally find peace." Rihanna posted a series of tweets: "I am genuinely heartbroken about this.""Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now!" In another, she wrote "U made a MAJAH impression on this industry and throughout the world, in such a short space of time...too short!"

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest highlighted Winehouse's impact on the music industry: "Sad to lose Amy Winehouse - incred talent. Both @LadyGaga & @OfficialAdele say Amy paved way for them."

The '27 club'

Winehouse joins the list of influential musicians who died at age 27.

Rock icons Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, Jim Morrison of The Doors, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain of Nirvana all died at the prime of their careers.