‘American Idol’ Cancels One-Fourth Of ‘Live!’ Summer Tour

Christina Lee | June 1, 2013 9:02 am

AEG Live and 19 Entertainment have canceled ten dates of American Idol’s 40-city “Live!” tour due to “production scheduling changes,” according to a spokesman. Originally set to start June 29 in St. Louis, the tour now kicks off July 19 in Kent, Wash., and ends August 31 in Nashville.

“I can’t thank St. Louis enough for the love and support you have shown and doing that on stage June 29th was going to be epic for me,” said Curtis Finch, Jr., Season 12 Top 10 finalist and St. Louis resident, in a statement.

“With that said, as I journey forward in my musical career I look forward to not only your continued support but the chance to perform live for you right here in the gateway city! Great things are coming! This is just a small bump on the road.”

Unfortunately, the “small bump” also adds to American Idol‘s recent slump. Ratings were down 31 percent from last year’s record low, and this season marked the first time that an Idol finale didn’t draw than 20 million US viewers. Producers have since recruited Idol alum Jennifer Hudson as a judge, perhaps in effort to boost next season’s ratings. Check out a list of canceled dates after the jump. 

Canceled American Idol Live! Tour Dates

June 29 St. Louis, MO Chaifetz Arena June 30 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center July 2 Minneapolis, MN Target Center July 5 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena July 6 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena July 8 Tulsa, OK BOK Center July 10 Broomfield, CO 1STBANK Center July 12 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Events Center July 13 Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena July 14 Oakland, CA The Oracle Arena

[via The Hollywood Reporter]