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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Samuel Port & Jessica Sansome

ITV Starstruck viewers blast 'insulting' performance as trio become Amy Winehouse

Starstruck has been getting viewers talking over the weeks as members of the public turn into some of music's biggest stars for a prime-time TV performance.

Each week three people become tribute acts to the same huge music star before the judging panel - made up of Sheridan Smith, Beverly Knight, Jason Manford, and Adam Lambert - choose their favourite group. The trio then get to perform again as their idols before the studio audience choose an individual winner to go through to the grand final.

Then in the final, which is due to air on ITV next weekend, viewers will get to choose a winner from a variety of soundalikes from Lionel Richie to Celine Dion and they'll take home an incredible cash prize of £50,000.

READ MORE: Jason Manford's ITV Starstruck suit gets the same comment as he confirms future of show

But back to the penultimate episode of Starstruck on Saturday night (March 26) and viewers got to see Miley Cyrus, Lionel Richie, Justin Timberlake and Amy Winehouse all take to the stage - sort of - in the Stars in Their Eyes-style programme.

And it was the three singers who transformed into the Rehab and Valerie songstress Amy Winehouse who got viewers talking this week with them branding the impersonations of the late star as 'insulting', YorkshireLive reports.

While judge Sheridan was brought to tears by the singers, Ebony, Patsy, and Emily, for very different reasons, those watching the show from home didn't agree with the judges compliments and had their own say on social media.

The three singers performed as Amy Winehouse on the ITV show (ITV)

One viewer (@WDigitalRt1) joked: "You're trying to sing like Amy Winehouse, I say NO, NO, NO! No sorry." Someone else (@usandthem1982) wrote: "What an absolute insult to Amy Winehouse that was. Like a wish version of a Benidorm tribute."

Ross, who goes by@rossthe45king, said: "Just as well Amy Winehouse isn't here to hear these car crash performances.," while Cameron, @Cameron_934, tweeted: "What did Queen Amy Winehouse ever do to deserve that monstrosity on #STARSTRUCK?"

Sheridan became emotional following their performances after host Olly Murs revealed that she "knew" Amy. It is reported that the pair had become close friends after meeting in a queue for London club Proud Galleries in Camden.

Sheridan Smith became emotional over the performance (ITV)

Wiping tears from her eyes, the No Return and Cilla actress said: "Girls, you're amazing. You know I did know Amy and she was so much more than the beehive and the tattoos. She was a beautiful soul, a very misunderstood soul, but with the most incredible talent."

The Grammy award-winning singer died of alcohol poisoning at the age of 27 at her home in Camden, north London, on July 23, 2011. Last year marked 10 years since her tragic death.

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