After opening in Nashville and Los Angeles just before Christmas, the much-anticipated new Gwyneth Paltrow film, Country Strong, opens nationwide this Friday, January 7th! Together with Gwyneth — portraying a troubled country star named Kelly Canter — the film also stars Tim McGraw as Kelly’s husband and manager and Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester as aspiring stars entwined in Kelly’s life and career. All four stars also contribute to the film’s soundtrack, which Gwyneth says “is one of the really exciting things about the movie.” In addition to her rock-solid performance of the title track first single, Gwyneth sings two other songs, as well as a duet with Tim. Leighton and Garrett each contribute a song apiece to the powerhouse soundtrack that also features Trace Adkins, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Patty Loveless, Hank Williams, Jr., Lee Ann Womack, and Chris Young. (AUDIO INFO BELOW)

• The soundtrack to Country Strong is available NOW!
• Don’t miss Gwyneth when she hosts NBC’s Saturday Night Live on January 15th!
• Gwyneth says that “absolutely she fell in love with Nashville” during the filming of Country Strong. (AUDIO INFO BELOW)

  Gwyneth Paltrow was thrilled with the music on the soundtrack to Country Strong. (:22)
“I think the soundtrack is one of the really exciting things about the movie. You know, the music that’s in the actual movie, that I sing, that Garrett sings, that Leighton sings, it’s great. I mean, Garrett Hedlund to me was an incredible surprise. His voice is so rich and sexy and beautiful, and he sings a song called ‘Chances Are’ that I just think is a stunner. It’s amazing.”

  Gwyneth Paltrow talks about her time spent filming Country Strong in Nashville. (:46)
“I absolutely fell in love with Nashville. I just think it’s the most amazing place. And in terms of spirit and heart and culture and coolness, it’s, like, one of the best cities I’ve ever been. And it was such a surprise to find all the great corners and bars and restaurants and music, and you know, I had sort of my local places where I went, and then I went and, you know, tried to discover as much as possible. That’s just how I am, you know, I like to find everything, and find the best fried chicken, pizza, and cocktails, and live music, and shopping. And this city obviously deserves as much props as it can get ’cause it’s so great.”