Illness delays Clay Aiken’s tour

Clay Aiken has canceled the first three dates of his Joyful Noise holiday tour due to illness.

The “American Idol” finalist, who suffered vocal chord damage from ear and sinus infections, was to kick off the run Sunday (Nov. 21) in Pasadena, Calif. Also out are shows Monday in Phoenix and Tuesday in El Cajon, Calif. Aiken’s management is working to reschedule the canceled shows.

The tour will now open Nov. 26 in Costa Mesa, Calif. Aiken is still expected to attend a charity dinner in Los Angeles Friday, but will not perform, as had been expected.

Aiken will be touring in support of his RCA holiday album, “Merry Christmas With Love,” released earlier this week. He will be backed by a 30-piece orchestra, which in some cities will be augmented by a local symphony and/or choir.

Aiken delayed the start of the trek under doctors orders, after travel to promote inspirational memoir, “Learning To sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life,” aggravated his condition. The book was published earlier this week by Random House.

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