(CBS) And the cover girl of the People magazine issue containing its latest "Most Beautiful" people list is -- Kate Hudson.

Editors chose her from among the 100 celebs who made it. The issue hits newsstands Friday.

People Senior Editor Galina Espinoza gave Russ Mitchell and Early Show viewers a sneak peek at the list Wednesday.

It ranged from Halle Berry, who made it for the 12th time, a record, to Miley Cyrus, 15, in the news the last few days in a less favorable light.

Hudson displaces Drew Barrymore, last year's cover subject.

Espinoza says Hudson "just embodies such an incredible natural beauty that is in vogue right now. We've gotten so accustomed to celebrities getting breast implants and nose jobs, and she will talk about being flat-chested and having a little bit of an offbeat look."

Espinoza added that Hudson embraces everything about her body, and that's one of the main things People staffers love about her.

The selection process for the list is fairly easy, Espinoza notes: Throughout the year, editors see pictures of the celebs every day, so they they're very familiar with the people they consider including.

Hudson is dating Owen Wilson again, Espinoza observes, and she has a movie with Anne Hathaway coming out. Hudson is a good mother and has a great relationship with her ex-husband.

"She seems comfortable with herself," Espinoza points out. "We have loved seeing her grow and evolve. She came on the scene as Goldie Hawn's daughter, then she became a mother. She has emerged as this strong, independent woman who revels in all of the roles that she has both personally and professionally."

Among others on the list:

HALL OF FAME: These all-stars have made our list so many times, they needed a list all to themselves:

Halle Berry Age: 41, Appearances: 12
Nicole Kidman Age: 40, Appearances: 9
Jennifer Lopez Age: 38, Appearances: 8
George Clooney Age: 47, Appearances: 8
Brad Pitt Age: 44, Appearances: 8
Angelina Jolie Age: 32, Appearances: 6
Matthew McConaughey Age: 38, Appearances: 5
Johnny Depp Age: 44, Appearances: 5
Jessica Simpson Age: 27, Appearances: 5
Alicia Keys Age: 28, Appearances: 5
Beyonce Age: 26, Appearances: 5

Berry leads the repeaters pack with 12 appearances, followed by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, and Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman.

When asked why they have made the list so many times, Espinoza responded, "These are the people who have really emerged as true style icons. They are not flashes in the pan."

She says these people have enduring careers and, as a result, have to change their look periodically. For instance, Jennifer Lopez is good at reinventing herself. Currently, she's a beautiful new mom. That said, not all celebrities have to change their look. George Clooney doesn't change that much. Espinoza says he just gets better with age!

About Berry, Espinoza remarks, "There is no question that she is one of the most beautiful women in the world, and we are seeing her evolve before our eyes. She is also a new mother. We saw her just this past weekend. You can't help but think, 'Wow!' She doesn't even look like she just had a baby. ... You can't help but think, 'How does she do it? ' "

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