英语文摘:"American Idol" U.S. tour cut short

BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhuanet) -- The “American Idol” U.S. tour was shortened by two weeks with eight scheduled tours canceled, according to foreign media reports on Wednesday.

The tour started on July 1 and will wrap up on August 31, instead of the original date of September 16.

The cancelled shows include those performed by the "Idol" finalists, including the top two Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox.

Shows in cities such as Buffalo, Portland, Kansas City, and Cleveland have all been left out. Canadian stops in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Toronto have also been cut.

'American Idol' winner Lee DeWyze performs with finalist Crystal Bowersox (R) on NBC's 'Today' show in New York, June 3, 2010.

Low rating of the show and unsatisfied offerings of the top two finalists were cited as reasons of the change, while the spokesperson for Live Nation, promoters of the tour, declined to make any comments.