from www.keithurban.net

After being placed on full vocal rest by his doctors, which forced
the cancellation of various television and isolated concert
appearances this past week, it was announced today that Keith Urban
will be forced to forego his obligations for what doctor's are
estimating will be the next 6 weeks, due to a persistent and serious
vocal chord ailment.

This course of action, which follows multiple evaluations under the
supervision of doctors at the Vanderbilt Voice Clinic, will cause the
cancellation of Urban's activities including a February co-headlined
tour of Canada with Carolyn Dawn Johnson and special guest Jimmy
Rankin. In addition, Urban's appearances at the Country Radio Seminar
in Nashville and his concert as part of Rodeo Houston, at Reliant
Stadium, on March 1st will be cancelled. The possibility of
rescheduling the tour of Canada is being explored and patrons are
urged to hold onto tickets as more information should be available
soon.

"Although Keith is improving, he is still very much at risk," said
Dr. C. Gaelyn Garrett of The Vanderbilt Voice Clinic. "Should he
return prematurely to normal voice use, including singing and
speaking, he could risk damage of a potentially permanent nature."

Though doctors determined this as the best course of action in an
effort to completely heal and strengthen his vocal chords, Urban
wrote, "I'm devastated by these developments and the number of people
who will be affected by this situation and for that I am sorry." He
added, "There are no words to express my disappointment, but I know
that I need to abide by my doctors' instructions so that I am
completely healthy in time to kick-off the tour with Kenny Chesney in
April."