Beyoncé tour changes Australian start date, cancels two shows

Due to an "unforseen change" in Beyoncé's world touring plans, the R&B vocalist has a new September start date for her "I AM..." Australian tour. The delayed start also comes with two cancellations.

Beyoncé will now begin her tour September 15 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Her original September 12 kick-off date in Brisbane has been rescheduled for September 20. Tickets for the original show will be honored for the rescheduled date, but a second Brisbane concert on September 13 has been cancelled. Her third scheduled show in Sydney at Acer Arena on September 20 is out, so she will now perform in Sydney only on September 18-19.

Ticket holders unable to attend the rescheduled concerts have been instructed to contact Ticketek before July 31 to obtain a refund.

Tour promoter Michael Coppel apologized for the cancellations and explained in a press release, "Due to an unforeseen change in Beyoncé's international schedule, it has become necessary to make changes to the Australian tour itinerary, which will effect Brisbane and Sydney ticket holders."

Word on the street is that the singer will partake in the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards on September 13, the probable cause for her rescheduling and cancellation of shows.

Beyoncé finishes up her current U.S. tour leg with four shows in Las Vegas from July 30 through August 2 at the Encore Theatre at Wynn.

Beyoncé itinerary update:
(Dates are subject to change.)