Beyonce to Appear on Sports Illustrated Cover

Beyonce Tops Desirable List

Beyonce, fresh off of landing the distinguished honor of “Most Desirable Woman” by AskMen.com, has now landed the coveted Sports Illustrated modeling gig. Her rank as the most desirable woman seems to bode well for the sale of Sports Illustrated’s top-selling issue, which hit the stands February 12, 2007.

About the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Model Tyra Banks graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition in 1997.

The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue has seen many popular models before Beyonce, including Elle Macpherson, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Rachel Hunter and Christie Brinkley. The 2007 issue includes a music theme, showcasing popular musical performers with swimsuit-clad models.

Swimsuit Opportunity

Beyonce has already posed for magazine covers, but the Sports Illustrated photo shoot was a big opportunity for the star. She has been asked to pose in swimsuits in the past, but was waiting for the right moment. Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles, commented, "They always bring some swimsuits and ask, 'Can we shoot in this?' It's always been 'No!' When it's time to do swimsuits, it's going to be something big."

Beyonce prepared by watching what she ate prior to the photo shoot – no easy task as it was right after Thanksgiving. To get in the right frame of mind during the shoot, she listened to John Legend’s new album.

Sports Illustrated Alum

Tyra Banks will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of her cover shoot by appearing in the same bikini she wore for her Sports Illustrated cover. The former model told the Associated Press it was necessary to include additional fabric and make adjustments since she only weighed 140 pounds a decade ago. She will unveil her photos during an episode of her talk show.