Amy Winehouse’s Viral Hot-Mic Moment from 2008 Grammys About Justin Timberlake Cut from Back to Black Biopic

Amy Winehouse was almost as beloved for her unapologetic outspokenness as she was for her hit music.

The English singer-songwriter, who died of alcohol poisoning aged 27 in 2011, achieved international superstardom with the success of her 2006 album. Back to black, which includes the hit single “Rehab.” Combining the sounds of jazz, pop and soul from the 1960s, Winehouse didn’t shy away from infusing her lyrics with the trauma and heartbreak she experienced while struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

Nor did she hesitate to say what she thought. Case in point: one of the biggest moments of Winehouse’s career was the 2008 Grammy Awards, which made her a five-time winner for Back to black. Among the awards the Mark Ronson-produced album won was Record of the Year, presented by Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett, while Winehouse and her band watched the ceremony and performed live from London via satellite.

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From left: Tony Bennett and Natalie Cole at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008.

Michael Caulfield/WireImage

In a moment that has been repeated ever since went viral, Winehouse reacted to Cole’s read-aloud of rival, Justin Timberlake’s “What Goes Around… Comes Around.” Turning away from the screen moments before the winner was announced, the singer scrunched up her face in disbelief and asked into the still-hot mic: “His album is called ‘What Goes Around… Comes Around?’ ”

It is a song from the album from 2006 FutureSex/LoveSounds, won Timberlake the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance that night. But it was “Rehab” that Bennett declared the Record of the Year winner, prompting a stunned Winehouse to run from the microphone into the arms of her bandmates.

“This is for London,” she exclaimed in her speech, thanking her producers, parents and then-husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who was in prison at the time. “‘Cause the town of Camden isn’t on fire,” she added, referring to the fire that destroyed the Hawley Arms, one of Winehouse’s favorite Camden pubs, the night before.

Says Amy Winehouse’s ex-husband is ‘very misunderstood’ Back to black Star Jack O’Connell (Exclusive)

A new biopic Back to black (in theaters Friday, May 17) traces Winehouse’s origins and whirlwind success. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and written by Matt Greenhalgh with the approval of The Amy Winehouse Estate managed by the late star’s parents, it recreates the night of the 50th Grammy Awards. Star Marisa Abel, in the iconic beehive hairdo, black dress and heels, channels the awe Winehouse apparently felt when she heard Bennett – one of her jazz idols – announce her name.

But fans looking for her obvious match with Timberlake might be disappointed. While the scene intercuts with real footage of Grammy Bennett and Cole on the screen she’s watching, Abelina Winehouse doesn’t mention “What Goes Around… Comes Around” in the film.

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From left: Marisa Abela in the film ‘Back to Black’; and Amy Winehouse.

Dean Rogers/Focus Features; Getty

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“Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics,” Back to black “It explores and encompasses the many layers of an iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the heart of one of the most legendary albums of all time,” according to the official synopsis. It stars Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville as some of those closest to the singer.

Back to black remains the UK’s second best-selling album of the 21st century, behind Adele’s 21.

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Source: HIS Education