Engagement, Grammys delight Kelly Clarkson

NEW YORK Kelly Clarkson says shes extremely happy shes nominated for three Grammy Awards, but theres something else the pop singer is more thrilled about: her recent engagement.

I couldnt even find someone to go on a date with that I enjoyed their company. Like, it was just rough, she said in a recent interview.

You dont see it coming. And it sounds cheesy, and it sounds like a movie, but it is that, though. One day youll meet them, and everything will change.

Clarkson, who calls Nashville, Tenn., her home, is celebrating her one-year anniversary with fianc Brandon Blackstock. (The couple, who have been dating for a year, became engaged in December.) The 30-year-old says shes still surprised shes become that cheesy girl and that she wasnt sure she would find true love.

I always made fun of those people that were like, Oh, I met the one. Hes amazing, and Im like, Oh ... go write a song, said Clarkson, the first American Idol, laughing. Hes like my best friend, and hes someone I want to hang out with all the time.

Blackstock, who manages country star Blake Shelton, will be by Clarksons side when she attends the Grammy Awards tonight in Los Angeles.

Her No. 1 hit Stronger (What Doesnt Kill You) is nominated for record of the year and best pop solo performance.

I knew from the moment I heard it that it was going to be huge, she said of her feel-good anthem, which is also up for song of the year (awarded to the writers of the song, which wouldnt include Clarkson). Ive heard everything from I got out of an abusive relationship to Im surviving cancer. ... I think everyone in the world needs that type of song something that makes you feel empowered.

Her fifth album, Stronger, is nominated for best pop vocal album.

She said shes starting to record her next album, and the sound could be a reflection of her relationship with Blackstock.

I am totally writing cheesy songs, she said. Maybe hell piss me off and Ill write a record ab! out that.

Shes also busy planning her wedding.

I dont understand why we arent eloping, she said. Its a lot of details, and Im not that girl. Ive never been that girl thats like, Oh, my God, my wedding dress. Blah, blah, blah.