Winehouse had only Librium in system at death: father (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The father of singer Amy Winehouse said that his daughter had the prescription medication Librium in her system when she died of a seizure in July, according to media reports on Friday.

At a taping of a segment for journalist Anderson Cooper's new talk show "Anderson," which debuts on Monday, Mitch Winehouse repeated past statements that his daughter had no illegal drugs in her system.

"What happened to Amy wasn't anything to do with drugs," he said. A video portion of the interview is posted on celebrity website TMZ.com.

The 27-year-old soul singer scored hits with such songs as "Rehab" and "Back to Black," which was the title track of her smash hit 2006 album. But even as Winehouse rose to stardom, she battled drug and alcohol addiction.

When she died on July 23, it was widely assumed that substance abuse was the root cause. Toxicology results from an autopsy released by the family late last month showed no illegal substances and some alcohol, although how it contributed to her death was not made clear.

Mitch Winehouse told Cooper that the only drug in her system was a small amount of Librium, which is used to help people overcome alcohol detoxification.

The appearance on Cooper's talk show "Anderson" is the Winehouse family's first major TV interview since the British singer's death at her home in London.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Winehouse had only Librium in system at death: father (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The father of singer Amy Winehouse said that his daughter had the prescription medication Librium in her system when she died of a seizure in July, according to media reports on Friday.

At a taping of a segment for journalist Anderson Cooper's new talk show "Anderson," which debuts on Monday, Mitch Winehouse repeated past statements that his daughter had no illegal drugs in her system.

"What happened to Amy wasn't anything to do with drugs," he said. A video portion of the interview is posted on celebrity website TMZ.com.

The 27-year-old soul singer scored hits with such songs as "Rehab" and "Back to Black," which was the title track of her smash hit 2006 album. But even as Winehouse rose to stardom, she battled drug and alcohol addiction.

When she died on July 23, it was widely assumed that substance abuse was the root cause. Toxicology results from an autopsy released by the family late last month showed no illegal substances and some alcohol, although how it contributed to her death was not made clear.

Mitch Winehouse told Cooper that the only drug in her system was a small amount of Librium, which is used to help people overcome alcohol detoxification.

The appearance on Cooper's talk show "Anderson" is the Winehouse family's first major TV interview since the British singer's death at her home in London.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Winehouse album sets UK chart record after death (Reuters)

LONDON (Reuters) – The late Amy Winehouse's acclaimed second and final album "Back to Black" has become the UK's biggest seller of the 21st century, according to data from the Official Charts Company.

The company said the 2006 record, which included such hits as "Rehab," "Back to Black" and "Love Is a Losing Game" and netted Winehouse five Grammys, had sold 3.26 million copies, surpassing James Blunt's "Back to Bedlam" (3.25 million).

Winehouse's album shot back to the top of the British charts following her death aged 27 on July 23.

Dido's "No Angel" -- released in the UK in February 2001 -- is the third best-selling album of the century with sales of 3.07 million in the UK.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White)

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Kutcher confirms: death will claim Charlie on "Men" (Reuters)

NEW YORK (The Wrap.com) – Ashton Kutcher confirmed TV's biggest open secret: Charlie Sheen's character will indeed die on "Two and a Half Men."

Talking to David Letterman on Wednesday's "The Late Show," Kutcher held up well under relentless questioning about how his character, heartbroken Internet entrepreneur Walden Schmidt, will join the series. Their shared network, CBS, has kept details close to the vest.

But Kutcher did concede that Sheen dies -- without saying how.

"How do you come in?" Letterman asked. "Because this is like jumping off of a truck running."

"No, that was Charlie's character," Kutcher joked. "No, no, I -- Charlie's character is no longer with us."

An entertaining back and forth ensued:

Letterman: "How does he die? We know he dies."

Kutcher: "I can't reveal how he dies. No, I was explicitly told..."

Letterman: "How does he die, seriously. Heart attack?"

Kutcher: "He dies because he is no longer living."

Letterman: "Is it a medical problem or is it like a robbery gone bad?"

Kutcher: "It's a death scenario."

Letterman: "Forgets to turn the gas off?"

Kutcher: "It's -- abroad. That's a double entendre. That's a double entendre."

Letterman: "You're referring to a woman?"

Kutcher: "I don't know. ... We've both got really good jobs. I want to keep mine."

Then Letterman accused him of killing Sheen's character, Charlie Harper. And Kutcher suggested that he may have been the one who issued an Internet call for Letterman's death last week.

He added: "I show up when Jon Cryer's character needs me the most."

We've heard before that Harper dies abroad in a woman-related accident. A report earlier this month had him dying in a "meat explosion" after he slips -- or is pushed by his angry wife -- in front of a Paris train.

Cryer said at the time he couldn't confirm Sheen's character would die -- but said Harper's farewell wouldn't be too gruesome.

CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler also refused earlier this month to say whether Harper would live or die.

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Toxicology leaves Winehouse death riddle unsolved (Reuters)

LONDON (Reuters) – Toxicology results released to the family of singer Amy Winehouse this week raised almost as many questions as they answered, experts said Wednesday, keeping the cause of the "Rehab" singer's death a mystery.

The Winehouse family issued a statement Tuesday saying no illegal substances were found in the 27-year-old's system following her death at her north London home on July 23.

The absence of banned drugs may come as a relief to her father Mitch, given Winehouse's history of drug and alcohol addiction and rampant speculation about the role narcotics may have played in her shock passing.

"This doesn't make me feel the loss of my daughter any less, but we are pleased to be able to set the record straight to a certain extent," he told British tabloid, The Sun.

Yet the statement did not specify whether there were any legal drugs found and said "alcohol was present, but it cannot be determined as yet if it played a role in her death."

Adding to the confusion was the fact that the toxicology results were given to the family and not made public in their entirety, allowing them to protect her legacy.

Addiction experts and toxicologists said the information released Tuesday did little to solve the riddle of Winehouse's death. While the cause could become clearer at a full inquest to be held on October 26, even then it could be assessed as "undetermined."

"Combinations of perfectly legal substances can be lethal," said Jeremy Clitherow, a community pharmacist based in Liverpool, northern England, who specializes in addiction.

"You would have to look at the wording (of the toxicology report). You'd have to see the report rather than the paraphrased version. We can't speculate."

DEATH BY WITHDRAWAL NOT NORMAL

Mitch said during his funeral address that he believed Winehouse had conquered her drug addiction three years ago but was trying to deal with a drinking problem.

One early report, quoting unnamed family sources, suggested the singer's relatives suspected alcohol withdrawal was the cause. Rather than quitting drinking gradually, it said, Winehouse suddenly stopped.

However, the presence of alcohol in her system when she died, coupled with stories in both the Sun and Mirror tabloids that she had been drinking in the days before her death, have led to doubts that she died from quitting.

Clitherow believed that while possible, the "cold turkey" theory was improbable based on his experience.

"It is very unusual for people to die from alcohol withdrawal," he said. "You can get delirium tremens (DTs), but normally you survive."

Moreover, the Winehouse family statement did not specify how much alcohol was in her system and what sort of impact it may have had on her overall health at the time she died.

"It seems unusual to say that alcohol was present but not be able to say what sort of effect that quantity may have had," toxicology expert Graham Mold said, adding that the confusion may be caused by different levels of alcohol at different "sites" in the body.

Adding to the uncertainty, Winehouse had suffered health scares in the past which could have worsened her condition.

Mitch said in 2008 that his daughter had developed the lung condition emphysema "in its early stages," and that Winehouse had been warned she would die if she continued to smoke drugs.

"If she doesn't go back to drugs, then she can lead this magnificent life," he said at the time, when Winehouse was 24. "We are praying that that's what Amy really wants. She seems resolute."

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Letterman back at work after website death threat (AP)

NEW YORK – Even a fatwa is grist for comedy when you're David Letterman.

Back from two weeks' vacation and making his first TV appearance since a threat against his life was posted on a jihadist website, the "Late Show" host played it all for laughs during Monday's monologue.

Letterman began by thanking his studio audience for being there.

"Tonight," he said, "you people are more, to me, honestly, than an audience — you're more like a human shield."

Then he apologized for having been tardy coming out onstage.

"Backstage, I was talking to the guy from CBS," he explained. "We were going through the CBS life insurance policy to see if I was covered for jihad."

Until Letterman delivered his jokes, his situation seemed no laughing matter.

Last week, a frequent contributor to a jihadist website posted the threat against Letterman. He urged Muslim followers to "cut the tongue" of the late-night host because of a joke and gesture the comic had made about al-Qaida leaders on a show that aired in June.

"A guy, a radical extremist threatened to cut my tongue out," Letterman marveled during Monday's monologue. Then, referring to his disastrous turn hosting the Oscars in 1995, he added: "I wish I had a nickel for every time a guy has threatened (that). I think the first time was during the Academy Awards."

"And so now," he continued, "State Department authorities are looking into this." But they could save themselves some trouble, he suggested: "Everybody knows it's (Jay) Leno."

Along with his monologue, Letterman mined the situation for his Top Ten List: "Top Ten Thoughts That Went Through My Mind After Hearing about the Threat."

Among them:

• "Why is the staff in such a good mood?"

• "How can someone be so angry at a time when Kim Kardashian is so happy?"

• "Some people get Emmy nominations; some people get death threats."

One joke that may have helped spark the fatwa was one of several lampooning al-Qaida in Letterman's June 8 monologue. This was just days after the death of al-Qaida leader Ilyas Kashmiri, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan. Though Kashmiri was rumored to be a long-shot choice to succeed Osama bin Laden, he wouldn't have worked out even had he lived, Letterman cracked, pointing to Kashmiri's "rocky start" as a front-runner: "He botched up the story of Paul Revere."

The real butt of that joke: Sarah Palin, potential 2012 GOP presidential candidate, who in early June on her "One Nation" bus tour had claimed that Paul Revere's famous ride was intended to warn British soldiers as well as his fellow colonists.

The website contributor, who identified himself as Umar al-Basrawi, railed in his post that Letterman had referred to both bin Laden and Kashmiri and said that Letterman, in discussing Kashmiri's death, had "put his hand on his neck and demonstrated the way of slaughter."

"Is there not among you a Sayyid Nosair al-Mairi ... to cut the tongue of this lowly Jew and shut it forever?" Al-Basrawi wrote, referring to El Sayyid Nosair, who was convicted of the 1990 killing of Jewish Defense League founder Meir Kahane. Letterman is not Jewish.

Al-Basrawi, considered likely to be an alias, has made some 1,200 postings to the Muslim website, according to Adam Raisman, an analyst for the Site Monitoring Service. The private firm, part of the Site Intelligence Group, provides information to government and commercial clients on what jihadists are saying on the Internet and in traditional media. Raisman said the online forum is often used by al-Qaida.

The FBI said last week that it was looking into the threat.

While Letterman and his writers were polishing their jokes Monday afternoon, outside on Broadway, a bomb-sniffing dog was led around the periphery of the Ed Sullivan Theater in midtown Manhattan. Meanwhile, ticketholders queuing up along the sidewalk seemed relaxed about attending Letterman's first taping since the assassination threat. Some were even unaware that his life had been threatened.

"I'm not worried. They've got metal detectors," said Kendall Phillips, a 25-year-old from Houston, noting a standard provision in the TV world for screening audience members. "Plus, it's like really hard to get tickets."

___

AP Entertainment Writer Jake Coyle contributed to this report.

___

Online:

http://www.cbs.com

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Letterman back at work after website death threat (AP)

NEW YORK – Even a fatwa is grist for comedy when you're David Letterman.

Back from two weeks' vacation and making his first TV appearance since a threat against his life was posted on a jihadist website, the "Late Show" host played it all for laughs during Monday's monologue.

Letterman began by thanking his studio audience for being there.

"Tonight," he said, "you people are more, to me, honestly, than an audience — you're more like a human shield."

Then he apologized for having been tardy coming out onstage.

"Backstage, I was talking to the guy from CBS," he explained. "We were going through the CBS life insurance policy to see if I was covered for jihad."

Until Letterman delivered his jokes, his situation seemed no laughing matter.

Last week, a frequent contributor to a jihadist website posted the threat against Letterman. He urged Muslim followers to "cut the tongue" of the late-night host because of a joke and gesture the comic had made about al-Qaida leaders on a show that aired in June.

"A guy, a radical extremist threatened to cut my tongue out," Letterman marveled during Monday's monologue. Then, referring to his disastrous turn hosting the Oscars in 1995, he added: "I wish I had a nickel for every time a guy has threatened (that). I think the first time was during the Academy Awards."

"And so now," he continued, "State Department authorities are looking into this." But they could save themselves some trouble, he suggested: "Everybody knows it's (Jay) Leno."

Along with his monologue, Letterman mined the situation for his Top Ten List: "Top Ten Thoughts That Went Through My Mind After Hearing about the Threat."

Among them:

• "Why is the staff in such a good mood?"

• "How can someone be so angry at a time when Kim Kardashian is so happy?"

• "Some people get Emmy nominations; some people get death threats."

One joke that may have helped spark the fatwa was one of several lampooning al-Qaida in Letterman's June 8 monologue. This was just days after the death of al-Qaida leader Ilyas Kashmiri, who was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan. Though Kashmiri was rumored to be a long-shot choice to succeed Osama bin Laden, he wouldn't have worked out even had he lived, Letterman cracked, pointing to Kashmiri's "rocky start" as a front-runner: "He botched up the story of Paul Revere."

The real butt of that joke: Sarah Palin, potential 2012 GOP presidential candidate, who in early June on her "One Nation" bus tour had claimed that Paul Revere's famous ride was intended to warn British soldiers as well as his fellow colonists.

The website contributor, who identified himself as Umar al-Basrawi, railed in his post that Letterman had referred to both bin Laden and Kashmiri and said that Letterman, in discussing Kashmiri's death, had "put his hand on his neck and demonstrated the way of slaughter."

"Is there not among you a Sayyid Nosair al-Mairi ... to cut the tongue of this lowly Jew and shut it forever?" Al-Basrawi wrote, referring to El Sayyid Nosair, who was convicted of the 1990 killing of Jewish Defense League founder Meir Kahane. Letterman is not Jewish.

Al-Basrawi, considered likely to be an alias, has made some 1,200 postings to the Muslim website, according to Adam Raisman, an analyst for the Site Monitoring Service. The private firm, part of the Site Intelligence Group, provides information to government and commercial clients on what jihadists are saying on the Internet and in traditional media. Raisman said the online forum is often used by al-Qaida.

The FBI said last week that it was looking into the threat.

While Letterman and his writers were polishing their jokes Monday afternoon, outside on Broadway, a bomb-sniffing dog was led around the periphery of the Ed Sullivan Theater in midtown Manhattan. Meanwhile, ticketholders queuing up along the sidewalk seemed relaxed about attending Letterman's first taping since the assassination threat. Some were even unaware that his life had been threatened.

"I'm not worried. They've got metal detectors," said Kendall Phillips, a 25-year-old from Houston, noting a standard provision in the TV world for screening audience members. "Plus, it's like really hard to get tickets."

___

AP Entertainment Writer Jake Coyle contributed to this report.

___

Online:

http://www.cbs.com

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David Letterman jokes about militant death threat (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Late-night TV comedian David Letterman on Monday shrugged off a death threat made against him by a Muslim militant, joking on his show that his audience could "shield" him.

Last week, the U.S.-based SITE intelligence monitoring group said a death threat against Letterman was posted on a website used by militants.

The militant who made the threat, and was apparently angered by a joke Letterman made about the death of a leading member of al Qaeda killed in an air strike in Pakistan, called on Muslims in the United States to "cut the tongue" of the comedian and "shut it forever."

While taping an episode of CBS network's "Late Show with David Letterman" on Monday, the comedian addressed the threat during his opening monologue.

"Tonight, you people are more, to me, honestly, more than an audience ... you're more like a human shield," Letterman joked in front of audience members at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York where the show is produced.

"I'm so sorry, I'm a little late coming out. Backstage, I was talking to the guy from CBS. We were going through the CBS life insurance policy to see if I was covered for jihad," Letterman said.

Letterman went on to jokingly suggest the threat really originated from late night rival Jay Leno.

Letterman's comedic take on the death threat will air on the "Late Show" on Monday night.

An FBI spokesman said last week that the agency was looking into the militant threat against Letterman.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Peter Bohan)

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Bravo to edit `Housewives' after Armstrong death (AP)

LOS ANGELES – Bravo plans to re-edit "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" after the death this week of the husband of one of the housewives.

"We have not made a decision to change our original premiere date but we are in the process of re-editing the show," said network president Frances Berwick.

The second season of the reality show that follows the lavish lifestyles of six women in Beverly Hills, Calif., is set to premiere Sept. 5.

Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of TV housewife Taylor Armstrong, was found dead Monday of hanging. No suicide note was found.

The couple's marital troubles were a central storyline of the first season of the show and that was set to continue for season two. A copy of the season-premiere episode filmed months ago and provided to press last week showed Taylor Armstrong crying and sharing with the other housewives that she and her husband were going to counseling. She was also shown shopping for lingerie to help spice up the marriage.

Taylor Armstrong filed for divorce on July 15. Russell Armstrong had yet to respond to her petition.

Berwick did not specify how the show would change.

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Militant makes death threat against David Letterman (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A Muslim militant has urged American followers to assassinate talk show host David Letterman, saying his tongue deserved to be cut out, a U.S. intelligence monitoring group said on Wednesday.

The SITE intelligence group said the death threat was posted on an online website used by militants after the writer became upset by a joke Letterman made about the death of a leading member of al Qaeda killed in an air strike in Pakistan.

The militant called on Muslims in the United States to "cut the tongue of this lowly Jew and shut it forever," the threat against Letterman said, according to a translation by SITE. The popular late-night television host is not Jewish.

The FBI said it was taking the threat seriously.

The writer was angered by watching Letterman on his show drawing his finger across his neck while talking about the June death of senior al Qaeda figure Ilyas Kashmiri.

The message was posted on the website Shumukh al-Islam. SITE analyst Adam Raisman told Entertainment Weekly the website was "a clearing house for al Qaeda material" and drew supporters of the group headed by the late Osama bin Laden.

Executives at broadcaster CBS and a spokesman for Letterman declined on Wednesday to comment on the threat.

Tim Flannelly, an FBI spokesman in New York, said the agency was looking into the matter.

"The FBI takes all threats seriously and we will run it down like we do all threats," Flannelly said.

A Muslim group in 2010 threatened the makers of "South Park" after the animated satirical show depicted the Prophet Mohammad in a bear suit. Most Muslims consider any depiction of the founder of Islam as offensive.

A 21-year old man from Virginia was sentenced in February to 25 years in prison for publishing the home addresses of the "South Park" creators and urging readers to pay them a visit, as well as trying to help a Somali militant group.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte and Peter Cooney)

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Fans visit Graceland to remember Elvis' death (AP)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Fans of Elvis Presley are making their way to Graceland for a candlelight vigil to honor the 34th anniversary of the singer's death.

Every year, thousands of people trek to Memphis from around the world to remember Elvis' death on Aug. 16, 1977. The main event of "Elvis Week" is the solemn candlelight vigil that begins Monday night at the stately mansion known as Graceland.

Fans start lining up for the event during the day Monday along Graceland's outer brick wall.

This year, fans have something else to commemorate. It was 55 years ago — 1956 — when the first two Elvis albums were released. That year alone, Elvis sold 10 million singles and 800,000 LPs.

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E! staffer held in stabbing death of estranged wife (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) – A longtime facilities manager for the E! cable TV network is being held in an Alhambra, California, jail on $2.7 million bail, accused of fatally stabbing his estranged wife last week, while injuring her sister and himself in the attack.

Sherman Dion Dorsey, 40, of Los Angeles was booked into custody by Los Angeles County sheriffs' deputies from his San Gabriel Valley hospital bed.

He's accused of fatally stabbing Gina Reano, 45, a former editor for E!, in the early-morning hours on August 3, at the home she shared with her sister, Grace Reano, a production supervisor for E!, in an unincorporated county area near San Gabriel.

Grace Reano suffered minor wounds in the attack.

She told police that after the attack, Dorsey stabbed himself in the abdomen and cut his wrists -- injuries that required critical care and hospitalization.

On Tuesday, Dorsey had recovered enough to attend his arraignment hearing in nearby Alhambra. A Superior Court judge, citing the fact that Dorsey had no prior arrests for violent criminal activity, set the bail at $2.7 million. The arraignment proceedings were postponed until August 23, and Dorsey did not enter a plea.

Dorsey has worked for Comcast-owned E! since 1996, serving as director of facilities since 1999. His wife was an assistant editor and production coordinator for series including "E! Investigates" and "E! True Hollywood Story."

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to their families," read an E! statement. "We can offer no comment in regards to the police investigation."

Disclosure: Story author Daniel Frankel is a former E! employee who knows the accused.

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Amy Winehouse tops UK charts 8 days after death (AP)

LONDON – Amy Winehouse's album "Back To Black" has climbed back to top of the British album chart, eight days after the singer died in London.

The Grammy award-winning album was also No. 1 in 2006 when it was released. Also on Sunday, Winehouse's debut album "Frank" reached No. 5.

Winehouse has also left a trove of unreleased music, but no decision has been made about whether it will be released.

The 27-year-old soul diva, who had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, was found dead of unknown causes at her London home on July 23.

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Amy Winehouse tops UK albums chart after death (Reuters)

LONDON (Reuters) – "Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse shot back to the top of the British albums chart Sunday, a week after the troubled singer died at the age of 27.

Winehouse, famous for her distinctive soul songs and beehive hairdo, struggled with drinking and drug problems throughout much of her career. The cause of her death has not yet been determined as officials await results of toxicology tests.

Sales of the singer's recordings, released by the Universal Music label, rocketed following news that she had been found dead at her London home on July 23. That propelled her album "Back to Black" up from last week's 59th position, the Official Charts Company said.

The album was released in 2006, reaching the number one spot in Britain at the time and winning five Grammy awards, pop music's equivalent of the Oscars.

It also produced a string of memorable tunes, including "You Know I'm No Good," "Love Is a Losing Game" and "Rehab," which contained the line: "They tried to make me go to rehab. I said 'no, no, no'."

The renewed popularity of the album pushed "21" by queen of the charts Adele to the second place.

Winehouse earned two more spots in the top 10 of best-selling albums. Her debut release "Frank" came in fifth, proving more successful after her death than in her lifetime as the album had previously peaked at number 13.

The box set incorporating "Frank" and "Back to Black" reached the 10th position.

The singer's death also ruffled the singles chart, with five of her tracks entering the top 40, including the "Back to Black" single at number eight. The best-selling song of the week was a new entry, "She Makes Me Wanna" by British boy band JLS.

U.S. music fans also honored Winehouse by snapping up 50,000 copies of her CDs in the week ended July 24, compared with 44,000 units that were purchased in all other weeks of 2011, record sales tracker Nielsen SoundScan said Tuesday.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported last week that material recorded before Winehouse's death could be released as a posthumous album.

They cited sources who said Winehouse had recorded "a lot of material" and that her parents would have the final say on whether a new album was to be released.

Winehouse's spokesman told Reuters there was no news about the release of a third album. "I know there's material about, but no one's talked about it," he said.

(Reporting by Olesya Dmitracova; Editing by David Stamp)

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Amy Winehouse sales spike after her death (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Thousands of Amy Winehouse fans went to "Rehab" in the United States for a fresh listen to the British songstress who died late last week, according to figures released on Tuesday.

Record sales tracker Nielsen SoundScan said fans of the soul singer snapped up 50,000 copies of her CDs in the week ended July 24, compared to 44,000 units that were purchased in all other weeks of 2011.

Her 2006 smash hit album, "Back to Black," which includes the song "Rehab," accounted for 37,000 of those units sold in the United States, which was the highest weekly total since March 2008. Winehouse's debut album, 2003's "Frank," chalked up 7,600 unit sales, Nielsen SoundScan said.

Of the totals, more than 95 percent were digital downloads.

"Rehab," in which the singer with the beehive hairdo belted out the famous lyrics, "They tried to make me go to rehab. I said 'no, no no'," was the most downloaded single with 34,000 digital sales in the United States.

Fans purchased a total 111,000 Winehouse digital tracks via downloads, an increase of 2,000 percent over the previous week, Nielsen SoundScan said.

Winehouse died at her London home on July 24, at age 27, so it's likely the sales figures will spike even higher for the week ending Saturday, July 31, because fans were just learning of her death on the final day of the weekly tally.

Throughout much of her career, the singer struggled with drinking and drug problems, but on Tuesday, her father said she had been exercising every day and doing yoga recently.

An autopsy has been performed, but an official cause of death has not been determined as officials await results of toxicology tests.

The U.S. sales spike mirrors results in Britain where 24 hours after Winehouse's death, "Back in Black" occupied the top spot on iTunes album download chart.

(Reporting by Bob Tourtellotte; Editing by Eric Walsh)

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Winehouse autopsy fails to determine cause of death (Reuters)

LONDON (Reuters) – A post mortem examination on British singer Amy Winehouse, who died at the weekend, failed to determine how she died and more toxicology tests are being carried out, with the results expected in two to four weeks, police said on Monday.

The autopsy was carried out after an inquest into the 27-year-old's death opened and adjourned.

The "Back to Black" singer, who has fought drug and alcohol addictions, was found dead at her north London home on Saturday afternoon.

As sales of Winehouse's music soared and speculation swirled about the release of a possible posthumous album, her father Mitch flew in from New York to visit a growing shrine outside the house.

Surrounded by television crews and well-wishers, he read the dozens of condolence messages and walked along banks of teddy bears, flowers -- and the occasional bottle of vodka -- left by fans of the troubled singer.

"Thank you for coming," he told the fans. "It means so much to me and my family."

A somber mood hung over Camden Square, where Winehouse lived, as a constant stream of fans arrived to lay flowers and leave messages for the singer amongst flickering candles.

Some well-wishers were unable to hold back tears as they looked in near silence at fans' tributes. Messages for the singer were left both by locals, including one saying she is "going to be thoroughly missed in Camden," and by fans from as far afield as Colombia, Mexico, Italy and Spain.

Winehouse's battle with alcohol and drugs was well-documented, most famously in one of her best-known songs "Rehab," in which she sang, "They tried to make me go to rehab but I said no, no, no."

She slid from being a chirpy teenage singer from a north London Jewish family to someone who could barely walk at her final concert performance in Serbia.

The beehive-haired soul singer won critical acclaim after the release of her debut album "Frank" in 2003 before becoming a worldwide phenomenon with the success of "Back to Black."

Winehouse's death has sparked a surge in demand for her music. British music retailer HMV predicted on Monday that she would be number one next week as sales of "Back to Black," which won five Grammys, continue to grow.

The company said many people had downloaded the album online but many would want to buy CDs to feel a "more tangible and closer connection with Amy."

"It's something that we tend to see when any great music legend or rock star passes," said HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Monday that material recorded before Winehouse's death could be released as a posthumous album, citing sources who said Winehouse had recorded "a lot of material" and that her parents would have the final say on whether a new album is to be released.

Winehouse's spokesman told Reuters there was currently no confirmation of the release of a third album. "I know there's material about, but no one's talked about it," he said.

The inquest will resume in October.

(Created by Clare Kane, Edited by Rosalind Russell)

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Reaction to death of Amy Winehouse (AP)

Some statements on soul-jazz singer Amy Winehouse, who was found dead Saturday at her London home:

"She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life." — Producer Mark Ronson, who has worked closely with the singer

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"She was one of a kind and we were fortunate to have had the chance to make music with her. She was always gracious and a pleasure to work with in the studio and on the road. She brought a lot of people joy with her voice and her irreverent personality. It is a tragedy that she was taken from us so soon when she had much more music to give." — The Dap-Kings, a funk band that played on the singer's second album.

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"Five-time Grammy winner Amy Winehouse was a dynamic performer and musician who seamlessly blended rock, jazz, pop, and soul and created a sound all her own. Her rich, soulful and unique voice reflected her honest songwriting and earned her a devoted fan following, critical acclaim, and the genuine respect and admiration of her musical peers. She will forever be remembered for her immense talent, and her music will live on for generations to come. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time." — The Recording Academy

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"We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist, performer and friend. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time." — Winehouse's U.S. label Universal Music Group

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"I was honored then and I am now that I had the opportunity to share the same tour and stage with Amy this year in Brazil ... At our first meeting she was very shy, a sweet girl. Her first words to me were, `It's so nice to meet you finally, I'm shy, you're a shy girl like me, huh?' ... I am so happy for her recordings as we will forever get to hear a rare talent with a voice all her own. There will never be a tone or vocal delivery like Amy's. May her music and voice live forever." Janelle Monae, Grammy-nominated singer

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"It's always unfortunate. An addiction is a very serious thing. Like a lot of people who die from addiction, the signs on the wall in behavior, and in the music, and in the behavior. It's unfortunate no one was able to reach her." — George Lopez

"It's sad when you see somebody that talented that passes away and doesn't have to." — Jeff Foxworthy

"I have to say that as tragic as this is you can't want someone to succeed unless that individual wants to, and she was on a downward spiral, and she resisted all help. So what can you do? She's going to go down in history as tragic icon, a bit like Janis Joplin." — Tim Gunn

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From Twitter:

"Drugs took her gift, her soul, her light, long before they took her life. RIP Amy" — Josh Groban

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"Truly sad news about Amy Winehouse. My heart goes out to her family. May her troubled soul find peace." — Demi Moore

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"so many people saying that because it's not a surprise that amy winehouse passed, it's not sad. i hope you have more compassion for friends." — Rob Thomas

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"SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse" — Dr. Drew Pinsky

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"R.I.P. Amy. Your Voice will live Forever." — Joel Madden

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"This Amy Winehouse news is just so sad . To anyone struggling with addiction, please, please, please seek treatment." — Sophia Bush

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"I'm not sure how anyone with a soul can make jokes about the passing of one of the most talented artists this generation will see." — Samantha Ronson

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"My God! So sad to hear about Amy Winehouse! My deepest condolences to her friends and family and fans. You will be missed Amy xoxox" — Dave Navarro

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"i cant even breath right my now i'm crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!" — Kelly Osbourne

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"Amy Winehouse lived longer than I expected. Is that awful of me? I'm sorry, Amy (hash)RIP" — Kevin Williamson, `The Vampire Diaries' executive producer

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"just heard the shocking news of Amy winehouse's death. Absolutely tragic. Such a talented artist. So sad." — Jay Sean

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"The last time I spoke 2 amy I told her let her light shine more" — Rapper Q-Tip

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"What a waste of a gifted person. What a shame she saw no hope and continued living her life in that manor. I have been that low emotionally and mentally and that is overwhelming." — Kelly Clarkson

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"I'm so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse's death. I'm so happy I knew you Amy...Rest Well. Gone Too Soon...we'll miss you!!" — Usher

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Reaction to death of Amy Winehouse (AP)

Some statements on soul-jazz singer Amy Winehouse, who was found dead Saturday at her London home:

"She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life." — Producer Mark Ronson, who has worked closely with the singer

___

"She was one of a kind and we were fortunate to have had the chance to make music with her. She was always gracious and a pleasure to work with in the studio and on the road. She brought a lot of people joy with her voice and her irreverent personality. It is a tragedy that she was taken from us so soon when she had much more music to give." — The Dap-Kings, a funk band that played on the singer's second album.

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"Amy Winehouse was an artist of immense proportions and I am deeply saddened to learn of her tragic passing. She was an extraordinary musician with a rare intuition as a vocalist and I am truly devastated that her exceptional talent has come to such an early end. She was a lovely and intelligent person and when we recorded together she gave a soulful and extraordinary performance. I was honored to have the opportunity to sing with her. It had been my sincere hope that she would be able to overcome the issues she was battling and I send my deepest sympathy to her father Mitchell, her entire family and all of those who loved her." — Singer Tony Bennett, who recorded the classic pop standard " — Body And Soul" with Winehouse at Abbey Road Studios in London in March

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"Five-time Grammy winner Amy Winehouse was a dynamic performer and musician who seamlessly blended rock, jazz, pop, and soul and created a sound all her own. Her rich, soulful and unique voice reflected her honest songwriting and earned her a devoted fan following, critical acclaim, and the genuine respect and admiration of her musical peers. She will forever be remembered for her immense talent, and her music will live on for generations to come. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time." — The Recording Academy

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"We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist, performer and friend. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time." — Winehouse's U.S. label Universal Music Group

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"I was honored then and I am now that I had the opportunity to share the same tour and stage with Amy this year in Brazil ... At our first meeting she was very shy, a sweet girl. Her first words to me were, `It's so nice to meet you finally, I'm shy, you're a shy girl like me, huh?' ... I am so happy for her recordings as we will forever get to hear a rare talent with a voice all her own. There will never be a tone or vocal delivery like Amy's. May her music and voice live forever." Janelle Monae, Grammy-nominated singer

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"I was heartbroken to learn. I've only recently been made familiar in the last six months with her work, and I saw some very full-length documentaries on her performing. I knew she was a troubled young lady, but I had no idea how talented and beautiful she was. To lose someone at that age is just really heartbreaking, and no doubt, now that she's gone, people will appreciate her work. Because I thought she was quite talented." — Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola speaking in an interview at Comic-Con in San Diego, where he was showing footage of his new film "Twixt".

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From Twitter:

"Drugs took her gift, her soul, her light, long before they took her life. RIP Amy" — Josh Groban

___

"Truly sad news about Amy Winehouse. My heart goes out to her family. May her troubled soul find peace." — Demi Moore

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"so many people saying that because it's not a surprise that amy winehouse passed, it's not sad. i hope you have more compassion for friends." — Rob Thomas

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"SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse" — Dr. Drew Pinsky

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"R.I.P. Amy. Your Voice will live Forever." — Joel Madden

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"This Amy Winehouse news is just so sad . To anyone struggling with addiction, please, please, please seek treatment." — Sophia Bush

___

"I'm not sure how anyone with a soul can make jokes about the passing of one of the most talented artists this generation will see." — Samantha Ronson

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"My God! So sad to hear about Amy Winehouse! My deepest condolences to her friends and family and fans. You will be missed Amy xoxox" — Dave Navarro

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"i cant even breath right my now i'm crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!" — Kelly Osbourne

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"Amy Winehouse lived longer than I expected. Is that awful of me? I'm sorry, Amy (hash)RIP" — Kevin Williamson, `The Vampire Diaries' executive producer

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"just heard the shocking news of Amy winehouse's death. Absolutely tragic. Such a talented artist. So sad." — Jay Sean

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"The last time I spoke 2 amy I told her let her light shine more" — Rapper Q-Tip

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"What a waste of a gifted person. What a shame she saw no hope and continued living her life in that manor. I have been that low emotionally and mentally and that is overwhelming." — Kelly Clarkson

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"I'm so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse's death. I'm so happy I knew you Amy...Rest Well. Gone Too Soon...we'll miss you!!" — Usher

Yahoo! News

Celebrities tweet responses to Winehouse's death (AP)

A selection of quotes tweeted Saturday in response to the death of soul-jazz singer Amy Winehouse:

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"Drugs took her gift, her soul, her light, long before they took her life. RIP Amy" — Josh Groban

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"Truly sad news about Amy Winehouse. My heart goes out to her family. May her troubled soul find peace." — Demi Moore

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"so many people saying that because it's not a surprise that amy winehouse passed, it's not sad. i hope you have more compassion for friends." — Rob Thomas

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"Hug and thank everyone in your life who loves u enough to not let u end up like Amy Winehouse. RIP Amy, I wish someone would have helped" — Fred Savage

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"SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse" — Dr. Drew Pinsky

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"R.I.P. Amy. Your Voice will live Forever." — Joel Madden

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"This Amy Winehouse news is just so sad . To anyone struggling with addiction, please, please, please seek treatment." — Sophia Bush

___

"I'm not sure how anyone with a soul can make jokes about the passing of one of the most talented artists this generation will see." — Samantha Ronson

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"My God! So sad to hear about Amy Winehouse! My deepest condolences to her friends and family and fans. You will be missed Amy xoxox" — Dave Navarro

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"So sad about Amy Winehouse - she was so talented. Really tragic." — Jessica Alba

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"i cant even breath right my now i'm crying so hard i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!" — Kelly Osbourne

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"I just heard the news that Amy Winehouse passed away. What a true talent. I pray she's in a better place & at peace." — Kim Kardashian

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"Amy Winehouse lived longer than I expected. Is that awful of me? I'm sorry, Amy (hash)RIP" — Kevin Williamson, `The Vampire Diaries' executive producer

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"just heard the shocking news of Amy winehouse's death. Absolutely tragic. Such a talented artist. So sad." — Jay Sean

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"The last time I spoke 2 amy I told her let her light shine more" — Rapper Q-Tip

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"Amy Winehouse, I'm sad that you couldn't ever find peace & beat your addiction & that we won't get any of the songs you would've written" — Busy Philipps

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"What a waste of a gifted person. What a shame she saw no hope and continued living her life in that manor. I have been that low emotionally and mentally and that is overwhelming." — Kelly Clarkson

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"I'm so sad to hear the horrible news of Amy Winehouse's death. I'm so happy I knew you Amy...Rest Well. Gone Too Soon...we'll miss you!!" — Usher

Yahoo! News

Fans and friends shocked over Amy Winehouse death (AFP)

LONDON (AFP) – Grief-stricken fans flocked to Amy Winehouse's home in a posh London square on Sunday to place flowers and tributes outside after the shock death of the troubled singer.

Soon after the 27-year-old songstress' death was announced on Saturday, they started gathering in Camden Square, north London, to bid farewell to a star whose songs often reflected her tempestuous lifestyle.

Police have refused to comment on the death, saying it was inappropriate to speculate on the circumstances of the 27-year-old soul singer's death, which is being treated as unexplained.

Winehouse was found dead at her home.

"On arrival, officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed, and I can confirm that the deceased is Amy Winehouse," Superintendent Raj Kohli told reporters at the cordon.

"Enquiries continue into the circumstances of her death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained and there have been no arrests in connection with the incident.

"I am aware of reports suggesting this death is the result of a suspected drugs overdose, but I would like to re-emphasise that no post-mortem examination has yet taken place and it would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of death."

Comforting one other, fans lit candles and left flowers, notes, guitars, teddy bears and photographs of the singer as police officers stood guard at a cordon.

"Amy, we will miss your great talent. RIP," read one note left in a bunch of flowers.

"Dearest Amy, I'm glad you made it home. Love and light to you, princess," read another tied to a feather.

Shamini, a 25-year-old accountant and a Winehouse fan, told AFP: "It was very, very shocking considering the fact that she was such a talented singer."

Maeve, a 13-year-old schoolgirl, said: "She was really big, she was really talented and she was such an amazing performer and she was a great person to look up to as a singer."

Producer Mark Ronson, who worked closely with Winehouse, said: "She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life."

Ron Brand, the father of British comedian-actor Russell Brand, who had known Winehouse, said: "It's a tragic loss. She was beautiful, talented of course, and gentle. I loved her."

Local restaurant owner Ze Silva said Winehouse would come in as often as twice a week. She saw her last Tuesday and said she had stopped drinking.

"She had nothing to drink. She said to me 'Darling, don't give me any alcohol, I'm not drinking any more', Silva said.

"She was normal. She would speak to everyone, have pictures taken with the kids, give autographs to the kids.

"She was a good girl. I'm very sad."

US singer Carole King told BBC television the star's death was "really tragic".

She said she was "very grateful" Winehouse had put her "wonderful talent" into recording a version of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", a song co-written by King and Gerry Goffin.

"She did such a beautiful performance on it. I'm just grateful she gave that gift to Gerry and me and to the world. I just really hope that she's found peace now wherever she is," she said.

Her record label Universal said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."

A London Ambulance Service (LAS) spokeswoman told AFP they were called to her home at 3:54 pm (1454 GMT) Saturday and sent two ambulance crews which arrived within five minutes.

"Sadly the patient had died," the spokeswoman said.

Forensic officers were seen going in and out of her home before a black private ambulance pulled up outside. Two officials in black suits then brought out a body bag on a stretcher.

The LAS called the police within minutes of reaching her house.

The singer had a 12-date European comeback tour scheduled but pulled out following a disastrous opening performance in Serbia on June 18.

In the run-up to her live return, Winehouse spent a week at an addiction treatment clinic in London, reportedly at the suggestion of her father, Mitch, over concerns that she was drinking too much.

Winehouse rocketed to fame after winning five Grammy awards off the back of her 2006 second album "Back to Black" and the hit single "Rehab".

Her comeback tour lasted one performance last month when she was booed at the opening performance in Belgrade, apparently too drunk to sing. She stumbled her way through the 90-minute gig, mumbling the lyrics and failing to follow her band.

She made her final public appearance at The Roundhouse venue in Camden on Wednesday, joining her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield on stage. She briefly danced and encouraged the audience to buy the 15-year-old's album.

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