NASHVILLE, TN  [Monday Dec.18.2006]  /WMQT.com/ -- The results are in, and Country Weekly's 12th Annual Readers' Poll issue hits newstands TODAY. Nearly 27,000 readers responded to the magazine's online survey, naming Toby Keith Man of the Year, and Carrie Underwood Woman of the Year.

Although this is Country Weekly's 12th annual poll, this is the magazine's first-ever "Man/Woman of the Year" vote. Another reader favorite was Rascal Flatts, who were tapped for Group of the Year, Favorite Song and Favorite Album honors.

"We were very pleased with this year's reader response. The voting for our first -'Country's Man of the Year' was very interesting," said Country Weekly Editor in Chief Bill Gubbins. "Kenny Chesney led most of the way, but at the last moment Toby surged ahead and won‹but narrowly."

Highlights of the poll include:

2006 Man of the Year: Toby Keith
2006 Woman of the Year: Carrie Underwood
2006 Group of the Year: Rascal Flatts
Favorite Song: "What Hurts the Most," Rascal Flatts Favorite Album: Me and My Gang, Rascal Flatts
Favorite Duo: Brooks & Dunn
Favorite Live Act: Kenny Chesney
Sexiest Video: "Come a Little Closer," Dierks Bentley Superstar of the Future: Jason Aldean
Star Who Should Run For President: Toby Keith
Star You'd Like to Have a Beer With: Kenny Chesney

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