Amy WinehouseThe timing of Amy Winehouse’s Grammy success on Sunday night has been criticised by Natalie Cole.

Amy picked up awards in five out of the six categories in which she was nominated, including the record of the year, song of the year and best new artists trophies - but Natalie, who won eight Grammys between 1975 and 1996, is worried that the prizes may be seen as a reward for her “bad behaviour”.

Natalie told reporters at a post-Grammys party: “I’m going on record as an artist who is able to critique [Amy Winehouse].”

“I think she has a great talent, but I don’t agree with the Grammys giving her those nods. I think it sends the wrong message, that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all these awards.”

“It’s a slap in the face to musicians and artists who work very hard that they turn around and give it to someone who really obviously doesn’t have a grasp of what she has. I’ve been in this business over 25 years and I sacrificed five years of my own life on drugs and almost lost my life because of it.”

“So I take great offense to almost see someone getting glory out of being in the position that they’re in - she needs to get her life together and embrace her craft, she will lose it if she doesn’t get it together.”

“She could die. The girl really has a problem and I think, for those of us who have been in the business long enough, we know the sacrifice it takes.”

“This is about discipline and hard work, and you don’t just get to do your drugs and go on stage and get rewarded.”

Amy’s performance for the ceremony took place over a satellite link-up from London after US Embassy officials initially denied her the required entry visa due to her arrest for marijuana possession last year and current ongoing investigations into her drug use. She is currently in rehab in an effort to beat her various addictions but her mum Janis Winehouse thinks she is finally making progress.

After fearing she’s lose her daughter to an early death last year, she told GMTV yesterday that Amy’s is “coming back, she’s definitely on the way back.”

“As you saw, she looks good and it’s a case of she’s on the road. That’s what it’s all about - she’s on the road to recovery. Amy had to do it for Amy… I was helpless.”

Amy spent three weeks as a residential patient at the Capio Nightingale hospital in central London and a spokesperson for the singer told the Associated Press that she is now continuing her treatment as an outpatient.

Amy celebrated her win with a visit to see husband Blake Civil-Fielder in Pentonville Prison yesterday. She dedicated her record of the year prize to her “Blake incarcerated” and referenced him during her performance of her hits, ‘Know Good’ and ‘Rehab’.