Adele cancels US tour amid fears of vocal cord damage

The singer Adele has cancelled her 10-date US tour as she revealed she is in danger of permanently damaging her vocal cords.

Doctors have told Adele, who has sold 10 million records this year, she needs extended rest after finding a haemorrhage on the cords.

The London-born star, 23, is famed for her full-throated performances of hits such as Someone Like You. But insufficient rest between shows has caused the blood blisters. The damage can be irreparable if untreated.

Adele – last night named Best R&B/Soul act at the Mobo Awards – wrote on her blog: "My voice is weak and I need to build it back up.

"I follow all the advice I'm given and stick to regimes, rules and practices to the best of my ability – but it seems to be simply not enough."

Addressing disappointed US fans, she added: "I apologise from the bottom of my heart, sincerely I do.

"I have absolutely no choice but to recuperate properly and fully or I risk damaging my voice for ever."