Beyonce Knowles will return to the stage in May.

The singer has been enjoying some time off following the birth of daughter Blue Ivy in January but she will make her live comeback over the US Memorial Day weekend.

She will perform on three consecutive nights at the new Revel casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, starting on May 25.

Beyonce's last concerts took place in August, when she played four dates at New York's Roseland Ballroom to promote her latest album '4'.

Before she returns to the stage, the 'Halo' hitmaker will enjoy a holiday with good friend Gwyneth Paltrow.

The two friends - who met through their respective husbands Jay-Z and Coldplay rocker Chris Martin - are believed to have hired a villa in Tuscany, Italy, for a luxury yoga-based break.

Beyonce is expected to take little Blue Ivy, while 39-year-old Gwyneth will include daughter Apple, seven, and son Moses, five, in the trip.

A source said: "They're planning daily yoga sessions at the private five-star villa, which has its own pool.

"Beyonce has also been taking her daughter Blue Ivy to baby yoga classes after Gwyneth recommended it, so they will spend some of the holiday doing that.

"And the pair will get stuck into a menu of Gwyneth's favourite organic grub while they are away."