Amy Winehouse’s record company, Universal, has decided that they really cannot release her album unless she can get drug free.

British newspaper The Sun is now reporting that the 24-year-old has been issued an ultimatum by her record label after she allegedly cancelled a recording session in the Bahamas – with label chiefs urging her to stay out of trouble or plans to release her highly anticipated third album will be shelved indefinitely.

A source tells the publication, “Amy has been reminded of her responsibilities. Unless she is clean she will not be allowed to release another album.

“They would never release her from her deal, they would just not put an album out. She has been warned about her behaviour and needs to keep the standards up.”

Contact Music

Now, we might assume that her record company has suddenly developed a moral compass, but in reality it is their best interests to make this album and its promotion flow seamlessly. If Amy’s album stinks, Universal may never recover the costs of recording. Not to mention Amy has a habit of canceling performances, and if she can’t meet her promotional commitments it’s going to cost the record company. Her sales might not be enough to cover these costs.

While if we banned every recording who takes drugs from releasing an album we’d only have a choice between James Blunt and Celine Dion, it seems to me that Amy’s life is absolutely falling apart, and that is the key here. Most people, and particularly those working in an industry where drugs are readily available, have tried drugs, and may even use them regularly, but mostly they seem to function reasonably well. At least until their life falls apart for whatever reason. And Amy’s life is certainly falling apart right now. She has been exposed smoking crack, her husband is in jail, she has visa problems, and appears to be self-harming. Amy, it’s time to pull your shit together, because soon the cash will run out and you won’t be a star, you’ll just be a junkie.

Your career may never recover. As your own mother says “It’s like watching a car crash – this person throwing all these gifts away”.

Amy’s new album is looking to hit stores sometime in 2009, after reportedly canceling recording sessions for the planned 2008 album.

Picture note by Celebitchy: Amy Winehouse is shown leaving her house and stopping at a kebab shop on 4/5/08. That must be all she eats all day. Thanks to WENN for these pictures.