Colombian singer Shakira has finally confirmed that she and FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique are expecting their first child. Shakira ended months of speculation by announcing her pregnancy on her website on Wednesday.
"As some of you may know, Gerard and I are very happy awaiting the arrival of our first baby!" the singer wrote. Shakira continued, "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."
Rumors of the star's pregnancy were first reported by Colombian magazine Gente in August. According to the magazine, Shakira, 35, and her boyfriend Pique, 25, have taken to calling their baby "Ulicito" prompting rumors that they are expecting a boy.
The singer was also believed to have toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can prove extremely dangerous to developing fetuses, HuffPost Voces reported. According to the report, the singer's disease is the reason why she had not confirmed her pregnancy earlier.
Earlier this week, NBC confirmed that Shakira and R&B singer Usher would be joining 'The Voice' for its fourth season this upcoming spring. The two artists will replace coaches Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green and will join coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton for the spring season. The singer also announced on Wednesday that she would be cancelling her appearance at the iHeartRadio Music Festival later this week to focus on her pregnancy.
The couple first met while filming her music video for the South Africa World Cup "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" in 2010. The singer confirmed their relationship on Twitter and Facebook in March 29, 2011. Pique, a player for the Spanish National Team, has won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euro Cup Championship with his team.
According to Gente, Shakira is expected to give birth in January 2013 through cesarean section.