After months of speculation and rumors Colombian songstress Shakira has finally confirmed that she and her boyfriend, 25-year-old FC Barcelona soccer star Gerard Pique, are expecting a child.
"As some of you may know, Gerard and I are very happy awaiting the arrival of our first baby!" Shakira wrote on her Web site. "At this time we have decided to give priority to this unique moment in our lives and postpone all the promotional activities planned over the next few days."
As such, Shakira will be bowing out of the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas that she was scheduled to perform at this weekend. Other acts to be featured at the festival include Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Usher, Lil Wayne, Green Day, Aerosmith, Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias and many more.
"But I'm sure [it] will be spectacular and I will be watching closely," she reassured her fans.
The Colombian magazine "Gente" has reported that Shakira and Pique have already picked a name out for their child and will be calling it "Ulicito." The two have been dating for over a year. The pregnancy rumors first started around June when Fox News reported that the couple had purchased a home together in Barcelona because she was expecting. Later on in the summer Shakira was spotted purchasing maternity clothing in Miami and the rumor mill hasn't stopped spinning since.
In other Shakira news, NBC announced this week that she and Usher will be joining the team on "The Voice" as vocal coaches. The two will replace current coaches Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green for the show's fourth season.
"Thanks for your affectionate messages and good vibes!" Shakira tweeted recently. "I'm so excited to be a part of 'The Voice' next to such talented colleagues."