Pop star Shakira has announced she is expecting her first child with her Spanish soccer player boyfriend Gerard Pique.

The Hips Don't Lie singer, 35, revealed the news on her website, saying she and 25-year-old Pique were "very happy" about the pregnancy. She wrote: "As some of you may know, Gerard and I are very happy awaiting the arrival of our first baby!"

The Colombian singer also explained that she has postponed upcoming promotional work and cancelled her appearance at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas this weekend.

"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. This means I will not be able to be a part of the iHeartRadio Music Festival, but I’m sure this weekend in Las Vegas will be spectacular and I will be closely following everything that happens there!" she said in the statement, before thanking her management company and fans for their support.

"I'd like to thank Clear Channel and my fans for their constant love and understanding. Big kiss! And will see you very soon!"

Shakira, who did not name a due date, will soon have to juggle work and motherhood, as earlier this week the singer and R&B star Usher were confirmed as new coaches on The Voice USA.

They will replace Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green for the fourth season of the singing contest next year.

Shakira first met Pique, who plays for FC Barcelona, in 2010, although she said at the time they were not a couple. The singer confirmed her relationship in March 2011, posting a photograph of herself with Pique on Twitter.

She previously dated the son of former Argentinian President, Antonio de La Rua, for 11 years.