Aguilera – who, it should be noted, is wearing the full-time hats of recording/touring artist prepping for the release of her first album in nearly four years, budding film starlet finishing production and heading into the press gauntlet for her first major motion picture AND mom – accepted full responsibility for the switch.

“I made the decision to move my summer tour and I am truly sorry to those of you who had purchased tickets and have been disappointed by the news,” the singer explained. “Immediately after wrapping production on ‘Burlesque,’ I went directly back into the studio and then quickly started the promotional process for Bionic.

“With both the album press and film press, I am booked the entire summer and need time to focus on the work at hand. After reviewing the schedule with my team, I realized there was not enough time to put together and rehearse for a proper show, one that is at the caliber you expect from me or at the level I would present to my fans.

“In addition, my album has not even been released as yet, and I would like for you all to become familiar with the music before you hear it live on tour. Again, I am sorry to have to move the dates but I promise to come see you when the time is right!”

While the natural inclination for a lot of people – Pollstar staff included – is to assume that almost any explanation for a change in touring plans short of death is really a cover for poor ticket sales, you have to admit this is a pretty plausible explanation.

Interesting side note here: The amount of vitriol directed lately at Aguilera and other acts including the Eagles and Limp Bizkit who’ve made changes in their touring itineraries seems a little unfair. Granted, ticket prices are pretty out of control and yes, artists have some say in how much it costs to see them – but not the final say in most cases.

So shouldn’t all that scorn be directed at the people who ultimately set those prices? I don’t think I need to name any names either. Do I?