Clarkson, who shot to fame and fortune after winning the hit reality television show 'American Idol' in 2002, said on her website she was cancelling the tour because it was "too much, too soon".

"In the craziness of the music business, performing is what I look forward to doing the most, so it really is disappointing for me to have to tell you that I won't be coming out to tour this summer," Clarkson (25) wrote.

"The fact is that touring is just too much too soon... But I promise you that we're going to get back out there as soon as is humanly possible to give you a show that will be even better," she added.

Promoter Michael Rapino was quoted in a statement released by Clarkson's publicist as saying that sales of tickets had been disappointing.

"Ticket sales have not been what we anticipated," Rapino said, adding that Clarkson's handlers were evaluating the size of her show.

The cancelled tour comes amid reports of clashes between Clarkson and her record company RCA over her new album, due out later this month, the follow-up to her multiplatinum 2004 album 'Breakaway'.

Earlier this week Clarkson also parted company with her long-time manager.

AFP