The 'Doesn't Mean Anything' singer is very "happy" to be expecting her first baby and is getting married to music producer Swizz Beatz – who she has been dating since 2008 – later this year.

A representative for the couple confirmed the happy news, saying: "They are very happy. Alicia is with the man who has inspired so much of her music and her album 'The Element of Freedom'."

The announcement comes after the pair - who got engaged in January - attended a Black Ball in London for the singer's 'Keep a Child Alive' charity last night (27.05.10).

Alicia looked radiant as she took to the red carpet in a floor-length gown which cleverly disguised her small bump.

It is not yet known when the baby is due or whether it will be a boy or a girl.

It was only recently that the 29-year-old star admitted she was thinking about starting a family.

She said: "I absolutely am very interested in starting a family. It is one of the most beautiful experiences to have in this life and I am looking forward to it when it is my time."

It won't be the first child for 31-year-old Swizz - whose real name is Kasseem Dean – as he has two sons from previous relationships.

Alicia's husband-to-be recently admitted he was completely smitten with the singer, saying: "What we have is so precious."