May 2, 2006

Celine Dion was forced to cancel almost a week of shows at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas because of a rare ear disease, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

The Quebec singer, who returned to work last Friday, said she is suffering from a condition known as Labyrinthitis, which could last "from a couple weeks to a year."

Her husband and manager, Rene Angelil, told the newspaper a virus caused fluid to build in Dion's inner ear, which set off severe vertigo.

Dion is set to celebrate her 500th performance in Vegas next month. Her run at the venue ends in 2007, when she will be replaced by Cher.