Late Winehouse Wins Top Ivor Novello Award

The troubled Rehab singer was honoured for her Love Is A Losing Game track, but couldn't make it to the prizegiving in London on time.

So it was left to her father Mitch, who had hoped his daughter would join him at the event, to accept the Top Song award on the hitmaker's behalf on Thursday (22May08).

As he was speaking, Winehouse suddenly appeared in the audience.

Before her arrival, her father told guests, "Unfortunately Amy couldn't make it, but she is getting better and sends you all her love.

"She has asked me to thank the Ivors for being the first to recognise her songwriting talents."

After the awards, the tardy singer said, "I'm very excited and very flattered (to win)."

Winehouse used her appearance at the Ivor Novellos to pay tribute to jailed husband Blake Fielder-Civil; the singer wore a heart-shaped hairpin with his name on it.

The gesture counters tabloid claims the couple is planning to divorce, amid reports they have both cheated since their wedding in Miami, Florida last year (07).

Fielder-Civil is currently being held on remand at London's Pentonville Prison, where he will remain until at least 9 June (08), on charges of perverting the course of justice, relating to a previous charge of grievous bodily harm.

Back at the prizegiving, Winehouse lost out to Shakira and Beyonce Knowles in the other category she was nominated for - Best-Selling Song. The divas took that honour for their duet Beautiful Liar.

Meanwhile, Take That's Shine was named Most Played Song, Phil Collins won the International Achievement Award, Gabrielle took home a Outstanding Song Collection prize and Mika was named Songwriter of The Year.

The annual Ivor Novello Awards honour the best British music publishers, songwriters and composers.