Nov 7, 2007

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Plus: Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire & More

( New York ) – Just in time for the Country Music Awards this week, PEOPLE publishes its Country Music Special Issue, a newsstand-only edition dedicated entirely to the country music scene.  The issue features country’s biggest stars including Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson and Taylor Swift among others, and goes inside the homes of other country A-listers for an exclusive peek at their private retreats and family traditions.  

Singer Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley are on the cover of the issue and invite readers inside their dream house, a 6,500-sq.-ft. log cabin home on their 87-acre estate in Franklin , Tenn.   “This house with the smell of pancakes, bacon, coffee and a fire in the fireplace, it’s the best thing in the world,” says Kimberly.  The couple also shares exclusive first photos of their 8-month-old baby, William Huckleberry Paisley.  Huck, as the couple calls him, was born on Feb. 22 and is named for Mark Twain’s character (“a free thinker,” Brad notes).  Before Huck arrived, “I thought, ‘I’m a free spirit – how am I going to give that up?’” says Brad.  He confided in his preacher, who told him, “You won’t even remember what you gave up – it will be that inconsequential.”  Says Brad:  “He’s right.  The first time you come home and your son sees you and laughs, you forget.” 

PEOPLE also visits the homes of Sara Evans, Taylor Swift, Gretchen Wilson and others for an intimate look at the rooms they love most.  Plus, Martina McBride gives readers a tour of her kitchen and shares recipes for her personal culinary creations.  “By taking time to make a meal or throw a party, it is a gift you give to the people you care about,” says McBride.     

Carrie Underwood has gone from farm girl to red carpet superstar and speaks with PEOPLE about her evolving look.  The songstress also shares her seven style secrets.  Tip #1?  Hire a stylist!  “It’s a girls dream, having people who want to make you look great.  I’ve gotten more confident, being able to wear beautiful clothes,” Underwood tells PEOPLE.               

Plus, PEOPLE goes to Tennessee for an American Idol “down home” reunion to catch up with 11 contestants who live in Nashville .  PEOPLE speaks with Kellie Pickler, Bo Bice, Bucky Covington, Carmen Rasmusen, Josh Gracin and others, and finds out what they’re up to now.  Which Idol contestants are in Mandisa’s circle?  “I love everybody, but I’m close to my girls [Pickler and Melinda Doolittle],” says the singer.  “I have their names programmed into my TiVo, so it automatically records them and I get to see them!” 

Also in this issue:  how do your favorite country stars like to get around town?  In a special “Star Rides” section, musicians such as Dierks Bentley , Rodney Atkins and Little Big Town show off their favorite modes of transportation.  John Rich (Big & Rich) makes no apologies for the Bentley he drives and tells PEOPLE, “I know it’s an extravagant thing, but if you’re working damn hard, it’s okay to go off the charts once in a while.”