Usher's baby

Jun 28, 2007, 13:00 GMT

Musician Usher sits court side during game 4 of the Eastern conference semifinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New Jersey Nets at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey on 14 May 2007. EPA/JUSTIN LANE

Usher has finally confirmed he is to become a father.

The 'Confessions' singer is expecting his first child with fiancée Tameka Foster, who is due to give birth this autumn.

The couple announced yesterday (27.06.07): "We are extremely excited at this point in our lives planning our wedding and the joy that comes from expecting our first child together.

"We hope people will be happy for us and respect our privacy during this happy period in our lives."

In an interview last week, Tameka hinted she was pregnant and dismissed claims the couple were rushing into marriage.

She is quoted by website Essence.com as saying: "What people don't realise is that Usher and I were friends for nearly seven years and I worked as his personal stylist for five years. I was the only female friend he felt he could talk to.

"Yes, I do plan to have children with Usher. This is the man I love and plan to spend the rest of my life with, so why wouldn't I want to share that bond of bringing another life into this world with him?"

In April, it was rumoured Tameka was pregnant with another man's child.

The 38-year-old stylist - who already has three children - divorced her first husband Ryan Glover at the beginning of the year and was alleged to be four months pregnant with his baby.

Usher, 28, and Tameka were reunited in February after a brief split and his spokeswoman announced their engagement on March 30.

A source suggested the hasty proposal happened because of the pregnancy and that the couple plan to marry in November.

Usher - who has previously said he would love to tie the knot before the end of the year - has repeatedly dismissed rumours Tameka is pregnant by her former husband.

(C) BANG Media International