Rihanna has cut back on smoking in a bid to preserve her singing voice.

The 26-year-old singer had sparked rumours she is expecting her first child after banning smoking in the recording studio while she works.

However, sources close to the star have strenuously denied the pregnancy claims, 'It's true she has stopped a lot of her smoking but just to make sure her voice is at it's best when she records,' the source told HollywoodLife.com. 'But actually pregnant is not true.'

Rihanna also fuelled pregnancy allegations by referring to her 'baby' in conversation.

However, the Diamonds singer is said to be so attached to her upcoming album that she feels as though it's a child.

'Rihanna has told people close to her that she is working on her baby and that has got some people confused, but what she has meant is that her new album is her baby and some have misconstrued that as she is having a baby,' a source said.

It's not entirely clear when Rihanna's new record will be released. However, a track listing of what appeared to be her new album, entitled Lost Files, was leaked earlier this year.

And while she didn't give any more details about the album, or confirm if the title is in fact correct, she did say some new material will soon be made public.

Revealing that a new album should be out 'very soon', Rihanna added in the interview with Entertainment Tonight: 'That's my hope.

'I'm really excited about the music that we've been working on, so I can't wait for people to hear it."