Kate Upton is Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue's 2012 cover girl

Topics: Celebrity

Model Kate Upton graces the cover of the Sports Illustrated 2012 Swimsuit Issue.

(Credit: AP/Walter Iooss Jr. for Sports Illustrated)

(CBS/AP) The 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has hit newsstands, with model Kate Upton as its latest cover girl.

The 19-year-old Florida native graces the cover in a tiny red-and-brown, sparkle-covered bikini with a view of the waters of Australia behind her.

Pictures: Kate Upton
Pictures: SI Swimsuit Cover Girls

"That was one of the first photos from the first shoot," she said in a telephone interview before the big reveal on Monday. "It was my favorite swimsuit. ... I felt sexy in it but confident."

The 2012 magazine cover is her second time appearing in the annual SI issue, but her first time on the cover. The 5-feet-10 model joins the ranks of models Christie Brinkley and Elle Macpherson who have previously had the gig as cover model.

"This means so much for me personally," she told People magazine. "This has always been my dream."

The cover, which leaked early Monday, was officially unveiled on TV Monday night on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS.

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SI Swimsuit cover girls

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by erpicferl February 14, 2012 6:05 PM EST: the bottom barely covers her cookie; Reply to this comment


by lniemicharternet February 14, 2012 5:52 PM EST: Shoud have picked a picture where her boob wasn't coming out the bottom--see right boob at bottom--ugh.; Reply to this comment


by jade84116 February 14, 2012 4:36 PM EST: I can see why.; Reply to this comment

by ricktrick February 14, 2012 1:11 PM EST

When are they just going to go naked and stop the pretending.

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by DrJill March 30, 2012 8:24 PM EDT: I agree! Know why Gypsy Rose Lee was so successful as a stripper?? She NEVER took it all off, and I'm sure she never got down to the little bitty itsy bitsy bikini this woman is wearing(?). Ya got to leave something to the imagination - ya know?????


by ssporleder February 14, 2012 12:33 PM EST: I am a very straight woman that does appreciate another woman's fabulous body, but this one does zip for me.

Gone are the days of truly beautiful women with real assests.

Now eveything is siliconed or nipped and tucked or air-brushed.; Reply to this comment

by KentGranny February 14, 2012 11:48 AM EST

"Fells comfortable in it"??? Honey, there's nothing there to feel comfortable IN. It's the "King's new clothes" all over again.

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by thinkaboutit13 February 14, 2012 12:25 PM EST: She didn't say "comfortable". She said confident and sexy. Guess you didn't read the article; just looking at the pictures? Your mommy won't be too happy. Wipe the drool off of your chin fool...


by KentGranny February 14, 2012 11:36 AM EST: "She felt comfortable in it"??? There IS no swimsuit, girl. It's the "King's new clothes" all over again!; Reply to this comment


by KentGranny February 14, 2012 11:34 AM EST: "She felt comfortable in it"??? There IS no swimsuit, girl. It's the "King's new clothes" all over again!; Reply to this comment


by KentGranny February 14, 2012 11:33 AM EST: "She felt comfortable in it"??? There IS no swimsuit, girl. It's the "King's new clothes" all over again!; Reply to this comment


by Slim2471 February 14, 2012 11:27 AM EST: Saggy for a 19 year old. Those things will be at her belly button by the time she's 30.; Reply to this comment