Despite protests from prosecutors in his Chicago child-pornography trial, R. Kelly is hitting the road again.

The R&B singer appeared in court on June 22 in an off-the-docket hearing to ask permission to travel out of the court's jurisdiction once again to tour in support of his double album Happy People/ U Saved Me, due August 24. Judge Vincent Gaughan decided that the singer may leave Illinois for the two-month tour as long as he checks in with his probation officer daily, according to the state's attorney's office. Gaughan also said that Kelly would be allowed to attend the August 27 BMI Urban Awards in Miami.

Prosecutor Ellen Mandletort objected to Kelly leaving the state, calling it unacceptable since the 40-date tour now means Kelly is not likely to stand trial on child pornography charges until next year (see [article id="1487945"]"R. Kelly: What's Next?"[/article]).

The tour is slated to start October 4 and run through November 28, though a full itinerary has yet to be announced, according to Kelly's label rep.

Kelly must return to Chicago by November 30. He's next due in court on September 27.

For full coverage of the R. Kelly case, see The R. Kelly Reports and check out the feature [article id="1487946"]"When the Gavel Drops"[/article]