Exhaustion blamed for cancelled Amy Winehouse concerts

Chart-topping British singer Amy Winehouse has cancelled a series of gigs in Norway and Denmark this week, after being hospitalized Wednesday for severe exhaustion, a spokeswoman said.

The 23-year-old soul singer was admitted to a London hospital Wednesday morning, said Serena Gallagher ofUniversal Music.

Winehouse was released that afternoon and advised to take "complete rest," said Gallagher.

A North American tour she is scheduled to begin this fall is expected to continue as scheduled.

Among other stops in Norway and Denmark, Winehouse had been scheduled to perform at Norway's Oya Festival. Her crew and band had arrived, and had just completed a sound check when festival organizers abruptly received news of the cancellation.

The singer has developed a bit of a reputation for cancelling shows of late, blaming exhaustion or illness.

In a recent interview, Winehouse described herself as a perfectionist and said she would rather reschedule a show than perform while feeling sub-par.

In the past year, Winehouse has gained international recognition on the merits of her sophomore album, 2006's Back to Black and hits like the autobiographical track Rehab.

Despite reportedly battling drug and alcohol issues, Winehouse has won a host of musical honours this year, including a second Ivor Novello Award for songwriting and a BRIT Award.

Back to Black has also been shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize,and Winehouse scored three nominations this week for the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards.