Christmas came a little early for Kelly Clarkson!
On Saturday, the "American Idol" winner shared the exciting news of her engagement to boyfriend Brandon Blackstock. "I'm engaged!" she tweeted happily, "I wanted y'all to know! Happiest night of my life last night! I am so lucky and am with the greatest man ever."
The bride-to-be also shared a picture of her gorgeous ring, which features a canary yellow, square cut diamond surrounded by smaller stones. "Brandon designed it with Johnathon Arndt!" the "Stronger" singer gushed. "They did an amazing job!"
Clarkson has been dating Blackstock, the stepson of country singer Reba McEntire, since February 2012. While the pair seem totally happy and in love, fans of the couple shouldn't hold their breath for a big wedding. In November, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres asked Clarkson about possible wedding bells; while she acknowledged that Blackstone would likely "put a ring on it at some point," Kelly confessed that she's not the type to plan a big wedding, and said "We will totally, probably elope."
Kelly isn't the only "American Idol" alum who made headlines in 2012. Here's a look at this year's milestones and memorable moments from the show's former contestants and winners.
Fourth season winner Carrie Underwood recently landed a major role in the upcoming "Sound of Music" remake. The 29-year-old is set to play Maria von Trapp in the three-hour television special, which will air live on NBC in 2013.
Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young
In May, Ace Young surprised girlfriend Diana DeGarmo with an on-stage proposal during the Season 11 finale. Though they actually met while co-starring in the Broadway musical "Hair," DeGarmo appeared on the show's third season, while Young was a contestant on the fifth. The couple will wed in Los Angeles on June 1, 2013.
Lee Dewyze
On July 21, Season 9 winner Lee Dewyze said "I do" to his girlfriend of almost two years, model/actress Jonna Walsh. The 26-year-old shared the news via Twitter, saying "Beautiful wedding, beautiful girl, just beautiful. We're married!" Following the wedding, the pair went on an exotic honeymoon in Bali.
Carly Smithson
Season 7 finalist Carly Smithson became a mom this year, welcoming her first child with husband Todd. Baby Olivia Mabel arrived on September 30, and the proud mom announced the birth via Twitter. The 29-year-old is currently a member of the band We Are the Fallen, along with several former members of Evanescence.
Brooke White
Also from Season 7, 29-year-old Brooke White gave birth to her first child on May 24. She and husband Dave Ray, who have been married for eight years, named their baby girl London in honor of one of their favorite cities. Brooke, who documented her pregnancy on her blog, is currently one half of the folk duo, Jack and White.
Bo Bice
Fourth season contestant Bo Bice welcomed his fourth child this year. Merrin Elizabeth Joy was born on April 23, and joins older brothers Adain, Caleb, and Ean. Bice, 37, began dating his now-wife Caroline in 2003; the two tied the knot in Alabama in 2005.
Michael Lynche
It's a boy for Michael Lynche, who finished fourth on Season 9. The singer's second child, son Kingston Michael, was born on February 22 in New York City. He and wife Christa welcomed their first baby, daughter Laila Rose, while Lynche was competing on the show in 2010.
Danny Gokey
Season 8 finalist Danny Gokey tragically lost his wife Sophia in 2008, just weeks before he auditioned for the show. In December 2011, Gokey announced his engagement to girlfriend Leyicet Peralta, and the two tied the knot on January 29, 2012. Instead of wedding gifts, the couple asked for donations to the Sophia's Heart charity, which Gokey formed in his late wife's memory.
More from this Contributor:
Celebrities React to the Connecticut School Shooting
How Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel, and More Celebs are Decorating for Christmas
Jennifer Nettles Gives Birth, Plus More Country Music Baby News from 2012
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