As her sophomore album 21 continues to rule the Billboard charts, Adele took time to acknowledge someone who opened doors for her - Amy Winehouse.

In a blog post on her Adele.tv site, the "Rolling In The Deep" singer wrote an emotional message.

"Not many people have it in them to do something they love, simply because they love it," Adele wrote in a post titled "Amy Flies in Paradise X." "With no fuss and no compromise. But she knew what she was capable of and didn't even need to try. If she wanted to do something she would and if she didn't she'd say f--- off. It came easy to her and that's why we all loved her so much. We believed every word she wrote, and it would sink in deep when she sang them. Amy paved the way for artists like me and made people excited about British music again whilst being fearlessly hilarious and blasé about the whole thing.

"It wasn't just her attitude and heart-wrenching lyrics that made Winehouse so special, though," Adele added. "I don't think she ever realised just how brilliant she was and how important she is, but that just makes her even more charming. Although I'm incredibly sad about Amy passing I'm also reminded of how immensely proud of her I am as well. And grateful to be inspired by her. Amy flies in paradise xx."

(Photos from left: Scott Gries/PictureGroup, Mark Shenley)