American Idol winner Jordin Sparks was forced to cancel a series of U.S.

concerts at the weekend, after suffering from a career-threatening throat illness.

The Tattoo singer has been ordered to rest her voice due to an acute vocal chord hemorrhage condition - which, in some extreme cases, can lead to permanent vocal damage.

Three gigs were pulled at the last minute as a result of Sparks’ sickness, including Saturday’s date in Hampton, Virginia - where she was set to open for Alicia Keys - and Sunday’s gig at the Bryce Jordan Center at Pennsylvania State University.

A spokesman for the Bryce Jordan Center says, "Because of the risk of permanent vocal cord damage, Sparks has been ordered to strict vocal rest and will not be able to perform anywhere until her condition improves."