The Back to Black hitmaker tried to boost her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield's future singing career by allowing her to perform alongside her at the Prince's Trust End of the Summer Ball in London last month (Sep08).

But the Grammy-winner came under fire from critics who suggested the star's chaotic life is no place for a young, impressionable girl.

However, Winehouse's mum Janis has jumped to defend her daughter's relationship with Bromfield, claiming the star is intent on shielding her from the same destructive temptations she herself has faced.

Janis tells Closer magazine, "Amy takes Dionne very seriously. She's a very sweet girl and Amy has a lot of hope for Dionne's future.

"I think she sees some of herself in Dionne, which is why she wants to look out for her."