Amy Winehouse checks into rehab clinic

Troubled British soul singer Amy Winehouse, pictured on January 18, was admitted Thursday to a rehabilitation clinic to help her battle against drug addiction, her record company said. [Agencies]

British soul singer Amy Winehouse, who this week appeared in video footage allegedly showing her smoking crack cocaine, has entered a rehab clinic, her record company said on Thursday.

The troubled 24-year-old, who has been dogged by frequent suggestions of drug taking in recent months, also cancelled a scheduled performance at an awards ceremony in France this Saturday, record company Universal Music Group said.

"Amy Winehouse's planned appearance at the NRJ Awards in France on Saturday has been cancelled as the artist has entered a rehabilitation clinic," the company said in a statement.

"Amy decided to enter the facility today after talks with her record label, management, family and doctors.

"She has come to understand that she requires specialist treatment to continue her ongoing recovery from drug addiction and prepare for her planned appearance at the Grammy Awards."