Dion denies sandstorm gig reports

Celine Dion still plans to visit Beijing and appear on TV there

Singer Celine Dion has denied reports that she cancelled an outdoor concert in Beijing because she feared sandstorms could affect her voice.

Dion said the venue, Beijing's Worker's Stadium, had been deemed unsuitable and it had proved impossible to find a replacement "on such short notice".

"I'm really sorry things couldn't be worked out," she said on her website.

It was not explained why the singer had requested an alternative venue for the show, which was scheduled for 13 April.

The Beijing News had reported earlier this week that Dion's was afraid that sandstorms - which often hit the city in the spring - could harm her voice.

Dion's 11 April show in Shanghai will go ahead, and she said she still plans to visit the Chinese capital.

There, she will appear on her friend Yang Lan's TV show.

"I'm excited about visiting the city and appearing on Lan's show. At least I will get a chance to visit Beijing and continue to make plans for a future concert," she said

Refunds are being issued to ticket holders for the cancelled gig.