Shakira postpones tour

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Shakira has postponed the North American leg of her world tour due to vocal issues.

The Hips Don't Lie singer was due to kick off her El Dorado World Tour in Cologne, Germany in November, but she had to push back several dates due to "strained vocal cords".

She had been hoping to get back on the road that month, but subsequently revealed she had a hemorrhage on her right vocal cord and had to reschedule all of her European tour dates.

At the time, her North American trek remained in place for January, but now Shakira has now announced she will not be back on the road for another six months.

"Though I very much hoped to be able to recover my vocal cords in time to pick the tour back up in January, and after exploring many options to that effect, I have accepted that this is an injury that simply needs more time and care to heal," she writes in a lengthy message on her website. "I feel for all of you who planned ahead to come to these shows and who have been so patient as I took the time needed to figure out the best course of action with my doctors..."

Shakira goes on to promise fans she will give them her all when she finally does return to the stage.

"I am very proud of this show; I feel it's my best yet, since it has a repertoire filled with heartfelt songs and exciting moments of music and dance," she adds. "I really can't wait for June! I promise to give you all of me and more from the minute I get on that stage and I am counting the days till showtime!"

The tour will now commence on June 5 in Cologne, with the U.S. and Canadian shows expected to begin in August.