Kelly Clarkson, winner of American Idol recently lost 30 pounds in weight. She decided to diet after watching herself on a recording of a concert she gave at the ‘VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul’ event last December.

The successful singer has apparently had an up and down relationship with her weight, but was determined this time to get it off. She was also motivated to do so after meeting her new boy friend Brandon Blackstock, the son of her manager.

It’s said the 30 year old Clarkson lost 30 pounds in 6 months and is now just 10 pounds away from her target weight.

How did she do it?

Speaking with reporters, Kelly said: “I do cardio. I run. I strength-train using my own body weight. I don’t like free weights, because I build muscle easily.”

She added: “Really, what I try to instil in my fans is to be healthy and happy. I have no desire to be super-skinny.”

Commenting on her new boy friend, Kelly admitted that it’s been a hard slog dating in the past but this time she feels this relationship is different. A source close to the star said: “Brandon is the first guy who ever tells her how beautiful and sexy I she is [and] wants to look good for him.”

Kelly Clarkson won American Idol 10 years ago, but her success in the intervening years, as well as rumours about her private life have taken their toll. However she says she feels much better about herself now.