Though the British singer-songwriter has endured a string of personal setbacks in recent months, industry insiders expect to hear her name when the Recording Academy announces its contenders today (Thursday).

Grammy-winning producer John Shanks called Amy’s album Back To Black "an important record".

"I don’t think her troubles are really going to hurt her. I think the sound of that album made an impact," he added.

Another likely multiple nominee is Kanye West, thanks to his third album, Graduation. The critically acclaimed disc had the year’s biggest debut, selling nearly a million copies in its first week. The CD has already generated three hits, including the anthems Stronger and Good Life.

While Kanye has won several Grammys, they have all come in the rap categories, despite being nominated twice for Album Of The Year. That may change if he is nominated for Best Album, Record or Song Of the Year.

But he may face tough competition from some legendary veterans. Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen each released acclaimed albums this year: McCartney’s Memory Almost Full was full of cheerful nostalgia while Springsteen’s Magic marked his return to full-fledged rock.

Rihanna could also find herself nominated for Umbrella, another ubiquitous Song Of 2007.

"To me Umbrella is the song of the year," said Mr Shanks. "It works as an R&B song, you can play that song on an acoustic guitar and it would still work... It still works however you dress that thing up."

Amy plans to move house? - Dec 4 2007
Amy Winehouse is apparently keen to sell up her Camden pad and move to the East End.

The songstress has been staying with hairdresser friend Alex Foden in Bow, east London, since husband Blake Fielder-Civil has been behind bars - and according to reports has now bought a new home in the area.

A pal told The Sun: "She has preferred being in the East End since Blake was arrested.

"The Camden house holds a lot of bad memories - it was the scene of her drug overdose and is full of reminders of Blake.

"She has hardly been back there since the overdose. Now, with Blake in prison, she can hardly bring herself to walk through the door.

"So she’s bought a place in East London and plans to sell the Camden pad."

Last week Amy cancelled the rest of her UK dates after being advised to rest by her doctor.

"She thought she could live a quieter life and keep out of the spotlight a bit if she left Camden," the friend told the paper.

Wise words for Amy? - Nov 30 2007
Amy Winehouse is reportedly to receive some written words of advice from husband Blake Fielder-Civil.

According to the Daily Star, Blake - who is in custody charged with attempting to pervert justice - has been putting together a day-to-day guide for his wife to read while he is not with her.

His mother Georgette reportedly said that the 25-year-old is spending hours over the task.

"He wants her to feel as if they’re still sharing life and he’s with her every day," the 42-year-old is quoted as saying.

The words are apparently written in diary form and contain quotes, advice and suggestions for places for Amy to visit.

Earlier this week Amy dramatically cancelled the rest of her tour, saying she cannot perform "without my Blake".

A statement from her record company said she had cancelled her performances on the instruction of her doctor.