VIDEO: Beyonce Reveals Pregnancy During VMA Number

When Beyonce took the stage at MTV's Video Music Awards Sunday night in a sparkly dinner jacket and slacks to perform "Love on Top," it looked like it was going to be another soulful, if low-key, performance from the pop diva. When the song ended, however, and Beyonce dropped her microphone, smiled proudly and pulled back her glittery jacket to rub her belly, it was no longer just a song-and-dance number; it was a baby announcement — Beyonce's first with husband Jay-Z, who was shown backstage with collaborator Kanye West, both of whom could barely contain their excitement.

Beyonce, 29, and Jay-Z, 42, married in 2008 after dating for several years. Beyonce has long said she wanted to have a baby when she turns 30, and the announcement comes just days before the Houston-native celebrates her 30th on September 4. "I feel like a woman. I feel like I'm very aware of who I am. I feel great and I feel like 30 is the ideal age [to start a family], because you're mature enough to know who you are and to have your boundaries and your standards, and not be afraid, too polite — but you're young enough to be a young woman," she told CNN in June. "I always said I'd have a baby at 30. But I also said I'm going to retire at 30. … Only God knows."

After the big announcement, Beyonce returned to her dressing room backstage at the VMA's to be greeted by fans and well-wishers. "I'm free!" she said, showing signs of relief that the news would no longer be kept a secret. "We're all free!"

Watch a video of Beyonce's performance here: