Sir [artist id="984"]Elton John[/artist] checked into a Los Angeles hospital on Wednesday with what is reportedly a "serious respiratory infection." As a result, the singer has been forced to cancel three of his upcoming "Million Dollar Piano" shows scheduled for this weekend in Las Vegas.

The five-time Grammy-winning artist began to feel ill during a performance of his "Million Dollar" show on Sunday. His condition worsened throughout the week, and he checked into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday. After a number of tests and antibiotic treatment, doctors released John and advised him not to perform for seven days.

In a statement released on John's

target="_blank">website Thursday (May 24), the singer said: "It feels strange not to be able to perform these 'Million Dollar Piano' concerts at The Colosseum. I love performing this show and I will be thrilled when we return to The Colosseum in October to complete the eleven concerts soon to be scheduled. All I can say to the fans is sorry I can't be with you. I hope to see you soon at this wonderful theatre at Caesars Palace."

The singer is set to kick off a summer tour in Europe, beginning with a June 1 stop in Germany.

Those holding tickets for any of the canceled performances will be able to exchange their tickets or get a refund at the original point of purchase.