Due to disaster relief efforts currently being coordinated in Memphis, Tenn., for victims of Hurricane Katrina, Fox’s hit music reality series “American Idol” is canceling auditions initially scheduled for Monday, Sept. 5.

The auditions, which typically attract tens of thousands of “Idol” hopefuls, was to take place at Memphis’ FedExForum.

“The city of Memphis has taken on the responsibility of taking in tens of thousands of refugees from Hurricane Katrina, and out of respect for the city’s citizens, their public services and the need to focus public safety efforts on the victims, this decision was made,” Fox said in a statement released Thursday.

Another audition city will be named shortly, the statement said, adding that it hoped to return to Memphis next season. Auditions will continue next week in Denver on Sept. 11 and Chicago on Sept. 16. “Idol” will begin airing its next installment in January 2006.