The look, the sound, the aura of Nadine L’Amour as the legendary Amy Winehouse is truly uncanny. We caught up with the girl from Chelmsley Wood who ditched a decade as a schoolteacher to realise her dream and become one of the most-talked-about tribute artists in the country – all with the blessing of Amy’s mum and dad!
Image credit Shane Coles
Whirlwind! That’s the only way to describe Nadine L’Amour’s transformation from a schoolteacher to superstar Amy Winehouse. “Eighteen months ago, I decided to take the plunge and follow my passion,” said Nadine. “I quit my safe teaching job and set off on a path to become a tribute to the musician I have always adored, to become a performer, to become Amy.”
What followed that decision has been “mind-blowing”, says Nadine. Bookings have poured in for the brilliant Brummie singer. Concerts, festivals, club gigs, private appearances – even a starring role in a Guinness World Record tributes event!
FAMILY FAVOURITE
There’s nothing new about tribute acts, of course. It’s one of the biggest growing sectors of live music, but Nadine is different from the norm. For starters, it’s just plain uncanny how she both looks and sounds like the late, great Amy. They could almost be twins! She’s also tight with Amy’s family, especially her mum and dad – Nadine’s even received birthday calls from Amy’s mother, Janis Winehouse, an honour she holds close.
So, where did the obsession with one of the UK’s most talented, and troubled, superstars come from? We caught up with Nadine just hours after she arrived back in Brum from a trip to Nashville where she had been soaking in the sights and sounds of the US country music scene – and having “a bit of a sing-song” for good measure!
LEAP OF FAITH
Originally from Chelmsley Wood, but now living in Water Orton, Nadine went to Park Hall School and learned to dance at Spotlight Stage School in Castle Bromwich. She said: “I have always been a massive fan of Amy and loved singing. I started singing just as myself for a bit of fun at a few bars locally, and the people there told me that I sounded just like Amy, which was amazing. Then someone said they thought I could make a living out of performing as her. After working for 10 years as a supply teacher, I decided ‘why not?’ and took what was a real leap of faith – and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Music has given me a second chance. It isn’t just my job, it’s my therapy.”
Performing professionally as ‘Madnezz of Amy’, Nadine fronts a seven-piece live band, delivering one of the UK’s fastest-rising Amy Winehouse theatre experiences. Together they have sold out venues across the country, earning a reputation for recreating the energy, soul and musicianship that made Amy one of Britain’s most iconic performers. “Incredibly, I now earn more from one night’s performance than I once earned during an entire week as a teacher,” said Nadine. “I’m so busy, I cannot breathe for bookings!”
DEBUT ON TV
Nadine has been featured in the national press, appeared live on BBC Breakfast TV, and joined the presenters on ITV’s This Morning, introducing millions of viewers to her story. Earlier this year she also became part of music history after performing at Replika Festival, which officially achieved a Guinness World Record for the most tribute acts to perform at a music festival.
“What began as a love for Amy Winehouse’s music has grown into a mission to preserve her legacy with honesty, authenticity and respect,” said Nadine. As part of that journey, she has had the privilege of meeting Amy’s parents, family and close friends, experiences she describes as some of the proudest and most emotional moments of her life. “Their kindness, encouragement and shared memories have inspired me even further to honour Amy through every performance,” she explained.
BEEHIVES & TATTOOS
Following the 15th anniversary of Amy’s death, Nadine pledged to support the Amy Winehouse Foundation which helps young people affected by addiction, mental health challenges and other vulnerabilities, by making monthly donations from her performances while encouraging audiences to do the same.
Looking back on what has been an incredible first 18 months, Nadine recalls her first ‘official’ Amy tribute performance at a bar in Tamworth. “While I’ve always had dark hair like Amy, I really looked nothing like her at that time,” she said. “Since then I have spent huge amounts of time researching every detail about Amy. I’ve spent thousands of pounds on buying identical outfits, I am adding tattoos which she had in exactly the same places she had them, as well as using transfers so I am as close as possible to how she looked.” The passion for all-things Amy goes beyond the big beehive hairdo, the distinctive make-up, tattoos, styling and vocals.
LOVE LETTER TO AMY
“I’ve actually got shoes that Amy owned and one of her necklaces, and I would love to have more,” said Nadine. “For me, performing Amy’s music is a passion and a privilege. It’s not an imitation. It’s not a costume. It’s a love letter to Amy.”
Looking ahead, Nadine’s ambitions continue to grow. Plans are underway to take Madnezz of Amy into theatres throughout the UK from next February before expanding internationally with a spectacular live production. “When I perform in my shows, there are teenage girls singing every word of Amy’s songs with me,” she says of her shows. “While those young people never got to see Amy, they tell me that watching me on stage makes them feel so close to her, which makes what I do all the more special.”