Amy Winehouse cancels US tour

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse has put her North American tour on hold, raising more concerns about her health.

"Due to the rigours involved in touring, Amy Winehouse has been advised to postpone her upcoming September US and Canadian tour dates," the British singer's publicist, Tracy Miller, said in a statement.

"Amy's European and UK tour dates in October and November remain in place. Plans are being made to reschedule her US tour for early 2008. Until then, Amy has been ordered to rest and is working with medical professionals to address her health."

Last week, it was announced that the 23-year-old was cancelling all her August performances due to "severe exhaustion".

The tabloids have claimed the retro-soul singer has been in rehab due to drug abuse, but her spokeswoman has denied such claims.

Winehouse made her US debut this year with the acclaimed album Back To Black, but her celebrity has been fuelled by her tabloid image as much as her talent.

She has spoken openly about her past battles with drugs and her penchant for alcohol and marijuana, and her hit single Rehab is an autobiographical tale of her resistance to being pushed to go to rehab: "They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said no, no, no."

Winehouse was due to appear at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 9 in Las Vegas, but it is unclear if she will attend.