On October 13, PEOPLE releases its first-ever Country Music Special Issue, a newsstand-only edition dedicated entirely to the country music scene. The issue names the 25 Hottest Country Stars including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson and American Idols own Carrie Underwood, who the magazine has dubbed The Ingenue.? Carrie opens up about the ups and downs of becoming an overnight success. On the upside, shes gotten lessons in performing from none other than country legend, Kenny Chesney, with whom she toured this summer. On the downside, she misses her family. I was always close to my parents. So being away from them has been pretty hard,? Carrie says in the article. Homesickness aside, the issue highlights what a difference a year can certainly make.

In addition to the news on Carrie, the issue also features an entire Idols Gone Country!? article on former Idols, Josh Gracin and Kellie Pickler. Much like Carrie, Josh dishes to PEOPLE about the benefits and drawbacks to his relatively newfound fame. He thrives on the audience interaction and being able to hang out with fellow country boys? Rascal Flatts but he misses his family when on the road. Kellie talks to PEOPLE about her difficult past and the obstacles shes overcome, along with her weird way with words.? While many have alluded to the fact that she has been dating another former Idol, Constantine Maroulis, Kellie sets the record straight in the article. I have a boyfriend now whos from my hometown. Hes a real good down-to-earth country boy whos very supportive of my career.?