Amy Winehouse has finally entered rehab, and it’s been confirmed by her record company. I feel like I’ve written versions of this article seventy times. Probably because Amy’s always torturing us with such crazy antics that you assume someone would force her into rehab afterwards, but it never happens. Apparently the threat of not being issued a travel visa for the Grammys was enough to get Winehouse’s butt in gear. Well in theory anyway.

“Amy decided to enter the facility today after talks with her record label, management, family and doctors,” said the statement from Universal Music Group. “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. She is nominated in an incredible six categories. Amy entered the facility by mutual agreement and continues to receive the full support of all concerned. Amy is the most talented and important musical artist of her generation and has made huge strides on her road to recovery. Universal Music Group wants nothing more than to see her take the time she needs to come back to full health and fulfill her incredible potential with the label. The label has always had the best interests of Amy at heart and has been guided by her family and doctors in the last few months as to the best direction to take. All concerned feel that Amy must put her health before all other considerations and will be by her side whenever and wherever they are needed.”

[From People]

I think calling anyone “the most talented and important musical artist” of their generation is asking for trouble. You’re just begging people to argue why that’s not the case. I can’t tell if Amy thinks she’s too important or has no self-esteem whatsoever. Something tells me it’s probably the latter, and if hearing she’s the best of the best makes her want to get better, go for it. I hope rehab does some good, but I’m under the impression from this statement that Amy’s probably going because her record label is forcing her to. If she were going entirely of her own volition, that’d be one thing. It would mean she’d realized some things on her own, and/or hit rock bottom. Her motivation has a lot to do with her success in rehab. But at least she’s there, and that’s a step. We wish her the best.

Picture note by Jaybird: Amy Winehouse and her father Mitch Winehouse leaving the Universal Records office after attending a 2 1/2 hour meeting with Amy’s record company today. Images thanks to WENN.