Ellie Goulding Hopes Amy Winehouse's Death Will Stop Press From Mocking Her

Though their musical styles may differ, British indie-pop singer Ellie Goulding says she hopes critics have learned an important lesson from the untimely death of Amy Winehouse.

Best known internationally as the Royal Wedding singer, Goulding is poised to become the next British musical star to find mega success across the pond -- a position Winehouse found herself in four years ago when her tailspin started to get out of hand. And though Goulding is no stranger to the perils of touring, she contends her commitment to balancing those indulgences with an active lifestyle is the key to future success.

"Right now I'm living off sugar and salt and alcohol, but I run a lot," she tells Spinner. "When I started running journalists called it a publicity stunt, which it wasn't, I genuinely like running with people."

Goulding hopes that Winehouse's death will make critics think twice before questioning her motives.

"Even the mention of her name makes me sad," she says of her predecessor. "Maybe now they'll think twice while making fun of my well-being."

Currently on a NYLON Magazine-sponsored North American tour supporting her UK chart-topping debut album, 'Lights,' the singer says she's still getting used to the adulation of pop stardom.

"I'm still uncomfortable with a massive 'pop star' push," the BRIT award-winner, whose album cover was recently featured in an iPod ad, says. "It's not really who I am."

Regardless, she's aware that her next album will be crucial to her success stateside. As such, she's already got a big name American producer lined up.

"I can't tell you who it is yet," she teases, "but it's f---ing good s---!"

Watch Our Exclusive Interview With Ellie Goulding From SXSW 2011
Follow @Spinner on Twitter | Like Us on Facebook | Sign Up for Our Newsletter