Britpop Warbler Pays the Price of Fame

Lily Allen canceled many of her U.S. tour dates for a number of reasons. Drinking too much was one of them, but mostly, I believe, it was the rapid rise to fame and the inability to deal with it. The stresses of fame found an inappropriate outlet and left her unable to fulfill her commitments.

Fame is a maze of twists and turns, especially for artists, who tend to quiver with sensitivity and self-consciousness. Allen, only 19, rose too fast, too far. But her talent, as shown on "Smile" is undeniable. What a great storytelling video approach, and what a lovely, fragile voice, indicative of the personality behind it.

We have surely not heard the last of this lovely British songstress.