It’s been a long time since Kate Upton broke the internet. The last time might have been when she appeared on three separate covers of the issue in 2017.
Fast forward to 2024 and the 31-year-old Upton is all set to do it again as one of four cover models for the 60th anniversary edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Upton, who earned Rookie of the Year honors, posing in body paint in 2011, also appeared on the cover of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and again in 2013. She was also photographed floating in zero gravity for the 50th anniversary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue back in 2014.
Now Upton moves into second place all-time for the most Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers, trailing only Elle Macpherson with five. She had been tied with Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Kathy Ireland, Daniela Pestova and Tyra Banks.
“It never gets old and they still find a way to surprise me because I’ve never seen it,” Upton told CBS Mornings on Tuesday. “You guys just showed it to me for the first time.”
Joining Kate Upton on this year’s covers are Chrissy Teigen (who also appeared on the 2014 cover), model Hunter McGrady, and TV show host Gayle King.
Because of King’s presence in the 60th anniversary issue, during Upton and McGrady’s appearance on CBS Mornings they surprised the 69-year-old with her SI Swimsuit cover reveal.
“So, umm, Kate and Hunter aren’t the only cover stars in the room right now. I’m trying to find this next cover star…” co-host Nate Burleson said during the models’ segment. “She is ummm… she’s right here.”
Gayle King will also appear on the cover of the legends edition of the issue.
CBS Mornings correspondent Meg Oliver also shared a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the special SI Swimsuit issue.
.@SI_Swimsuit is celebrating a huge milestone: its 60th anniversary!
Iconic covers have influenced generations — and this year, editor-in-chief @MJ_Day, models Christie Brinkley and Tyra Banks and our very own @GayleKing are reflecting on the issue’s evolution. pic.twitter.com/euvgNsEa50
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) May 14, 2024