NEW YORK – Pop singer Jewel says she injured her knees while rehearsing for “Dancing With the Stars” but plans to return to the dance floor as soon as she heals.

Jewel blogs on her Web site Wednesday that she’s been sidelined for the ABC series’ upcoming season because of tendinitis in both knees, and that her physical therapist said she’d be “good to go by next week” if she takes time to recover. In a statement issued by ABC on Thursday, the singer says she’s “dedicated to getting better and showing the judges and America that I can cha cha cha with the best of them. Don’t count me out as I am in this for the long run.”

Jewel, whose hits include “You Were Meant For Me,” is slated to compete against her husband, rodeo star Ty Murray, on the new season that begins March 9.