R&B star Usher has been forced to pull out of his final week in the Broadway production of musical Chicago after becoming ill with a throat infection.
The singer, who starred as lawyer Billy Flynn in the hit show, was due to leave on 15 October but has not appeared in the musical for a week.
"Usher has found a new home on Broadway and is welcome back anytime," said Chicago producer Barry Weissler.
Actor Christopher McDonald will replace the singer from Sunday.
Usher's manager, Jonnetta Patton, said he had enjoyed his time in the show.
Award-winning
"Usher has had an amazing time on Broadway and loved every minute of performing on stage with the entire cast of Chicago," she said.
"He expresses his sincere apologies to all of his fans who purchased tickets to see him in Chicago this final week and appreciates all of their love and support," added Ms Patton.
Usher, whose last album Confessions sold more than 8m copies in the US, joined the cast of the show in July.
The current Broadway production of Chicago has won six Tony awards and featured a number of guest stars since it opened in 1996.
Among the actors to play Billy Flynn are George Hamilton, Billy Zane and Taye Diggs.
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