Kelly Clarkson has ''high hopes'' for her new relationship.

The 'American Idol' winner - who has been single for six years - says her ''fingers are crossed'' in the hopes of a long-lasting relationship with boyfriend Brandon Blackstock.

Kelly said: ''After six years of having to say there's no one special in my life, finally there is. Brandon is my manager's son. I've known him for six years but he was married for most of the time. Then, suddenly, there he was at the Super Bowl and he was single.

''Brandon understands my job, which is a major thing. He works as crazy-hard as me, if not harder and so doesn't get in a mood if I can't always call when I say I will. I've got high hopes. My fingers are crossed!''

The couple began dating in 2011, but Kelly only confirmed her relationship with Brandon - who manages singer Blake Shelton and is country legend Reba McEntire's stepson - in March 2012.

Her relationship status is not the only thing Kelly is happy with; despite much criticism of her weight in the media, she admits she is delighted with her figure and claims she always has been.

She said: ''People imagine that being scrutinised for how I look only started when I landed on TV. Believe me, in small towns everyone's got something to say about you - how thin or fat you are, how much you do or don't go to church. I am well used to it!''