The 40-year-old singer is said to be "very excited" about expecting her first baby with husband Nick Cannon - who she married in May 2008 - but is trying to keep the news quiet.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "They?re both very excited and very happy.

"Mariah and Nick want to keep the pregnancy quiet as long as they can."

A spokesperson for the star refused to confirm or deny the news.

Her representative Cindi Berger said: "I am not at liberty to discuss Mariah`s personal life at this time."

Mariah first hinted she was planning a family in March.

Speaking at the Independent Spirit Awards, she said: "Something else very special is on the way."

The singer recently dropped out of her next movie, `For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf`, citing medical reasons, which further fuelled rumours of a pregnancy.
sections: Celebrities