Clarkson's cool mom-in-law

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Kelly Clarkson's cool mother-in-law

Kelly Clarkson thinks she has the "coolest" mother-in-law.

The 'Stronger' hitmaker was always inspired by country superstar Reba McEntire when she was younger and is delighted she can now count the singer as family, since marrying her step-son Brandon Blackstock in 2013.

Introducing Reba as she presented her with a Milestone Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs) on Sunday (04.19.15), she said: "I never could have imagined when I was at the ACMs nine years ago, and I yelled backstage to Reba, 'I want to be you when I grow up,' that one day, we would not only become friends...but in the most crazy twist of fate, she would become my family.

"So basically what I'm saying here, people, is that I have the coolest mother-in-law, and you all can suck it! Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only Reba!"

Meanwhile, Reba admitted it took some time for her to bond with Kelly and Brandon's daughter River, now 10 months, because the little girl burst into tears every time she saw her.

Reba told People magazine: ""Every time she looked at me, she'd start crying -- just squawking! It was serious.

"So at Christmas at their house, I said, 'Kelly, give her to me.' I held her and started feeding her. She looked at the bottle, looked at me and smiled. We've been friends ever since."