A host of music stars paid tribute to Amy Winehouse as they gathered in her memory to raise money for disadvantaged young people. Family and friends of the late singer, including producer Mark Ronson and singer Tyler James, attended the Amy Winehouse Foundation Ball in central London.The event at The Dorchester hotel was staged to raise money for the foundation's work, which helps young people struggling with issues such as homelessness and drug and alcohol misuse.
Speaking at the event, Amy's father Mitch Winehouse said early intervention was key to preventing young people falling into alcohol and drug problems which blighted his daughter's later life. "We need to do as much as we can to raise as much money as we can for disadvantaged young people," he said. "The key is early intervention, which means getting into schools and speaking to young people at the earliest opportunity. Giving them all the information they need and allowing them to make the appropriate decisions for them. "It's not going to help everybody. There's still going to be people who still turn to drugs. But if people know that legal highs might be legal but they're not safe, they are not stupid, they'll be able to make the appropriate decisions for themselves. "The ball included performances from former Bros star Matt Goss and recent X Factor contestant Ella Henderson, who was in better spirits than on Sunday, when she was voted off the show.
The 16-year-old was eliminated after she made it to the bottom two and the decision was taken to deadlock and moments later her fate was sealed as she received the fewest public votes. Speaking of her departure, she said: "This year, the talent on the show is incredible. Everyone deserves to be on this show. I wouldn't be where I am now without this show. (I loved) meeting people, the contestants are great. I love you all. I loved performing on this stage. I've loved every minute of it. I've grown so much." The Amy Winehouse Foundation fetched £230,000 on its first anniversary, with the money going towards such charities as the New Horizon Youth Centre and Fitzrovia Youth In Action.Tyler James, who found fame on BBC talent contest The Voice, was living with the troubled star when she died. He said his performance at the ball was in memory of Amy, who he called his "soulmate".
