Flu-stricken Tony Bennett postpones 2 concerts

Singer, set to perform in Ohio, is told to rest for 5 days, publicist says

Danny Moloshok / AP

Tony Bennett canceled a guest performance on ‘American Idol’ in April after coming down with the flu.

updated 3:48 p.m. ET April 18, 2007

LOS ANGELES - Tony Bennett has postponed two concert appearances in Ohio this week because he’s recovering from the flu.

Bennett, 80, postponed Thursday’s appearance in Columbus and Friday’s show in Cleveland because of congestion and other symptoms, his publicist, Sylvia Weiner, said in a statement Wednesday.

“(He) was advised by his doctor to restrict plane travel and to rest for the next five days. Both concert appearances are in the process of being rescheduled,” Weiner said.

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The flu prompted Bennett to cancel a guest performance on Fox network’s “American Idol” earlier this month.

“His condition is improving, and he is expected to return to his full concert schedule,” which includes U.S. and British appearances later this month and in May, Weiner said.

Bennett, best known for his rendition of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” lives in New York.

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Weiner said Bennett plans to be in Washington on June 20 to accept this year’s Humanitarian Award from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Past recipients include former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Angelina Jolie and Dr. Khaled Hosseini, refugee and author of “The Kite Runner.”

Bennett has long been involved in U.N. activities, most recently as a spokesman for a fundraising campaign to aid victims of violence in Darfur in Sudan.

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