Throat sidelines Sparks

Vocal problems have forced Jordin Sparks to temporarily withdraw from Alicia Keys’ tour and cancel all performances for the rest of the month, a representative for the “American Idol” champ said Monday.

“All of her April activities have been postponed or canceled so she can take care of her voice properly,” 19/Jive Records spokeswoman Wendy Washington said.

The 18-year-old singer, whose hits include “Tattoo” and “No Air,” was scheduled to be the opening act on Keys’ tour, which kicked off over the weekend in Hampton, Va. Washington said that in addition to missing the tour’s first month, Sparks was forced to cancel a planned performance at the Earth Day Network & Green Apple Festival concert in Washington, D.C.

Washington said Sparks is expected to rejoin Keys’ tour in May.