Singer Clay Aiken [ tickets ] has postponed the first three dates of his Joyful Noise Tour, a Christmas-themed outing that was scheduled to open on Sunday (11/21) in Pasadena, CA.

According to a press release from RCA Records, Aiken is being treated by his doctor for vocal cord damage caused by ongoing ear and sinus infections. The condition was aggravated during Aiken's recent trip to New York City, where he was promoting his new book, "Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life."

In addition to the planned show in Pasadena, Aiken plans to reschedule his Nov. 22 show in Phoenix and his Nov. 23 show in El Cajon, CA. Rescheduled dates are expected to surface next week; ticket-holders for the postponed shows can use their tickets on the rescheduled date or can obtain a refund, according to RCA.

Aiken's Joyful Noise Tour is now scheduled to open on Nov. 26 in Costa Mesa, CA. The outing will feature a conductor and a 30-piece orchestra, and in some cities he will be supported by the local Philharmonic or symphony. Local choirs will also participate in select shows.

"It's going to be a very classy and polished show, hopefully," Aiken said during a recent press conference. Some production, but little. Mostly just the music. That's kind of what I like to do, is focus on the singing and the music and all of that stuff. That's what our goal is. Make it music oriented and hopefully people will leave feeling in the Christmas spirit."