Kate Upton: Native Florida Model Is 2012 Sports Illustrated Cover Girl

Kate Upton has been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine’s annual swimsuit issue 2012 in a two-toned, red string bikini with a bottom piece. The announcement that the 5-foot-10 blonde bombshell will be on the cover is officially made on Monday night's episode of "The Late Show with David Letterman". Kate Upton, who is a native of Melbourne, Florida and the niece of Republican Congressman Fred Upton, joins the shortlist of models including Heidi Klum, Elle MacPherson, Tyra Banks and Brooklyn Decker to appear in the coveted role as the swimsuit issue's cover girl. On 13 February 2012, the blonde beauty was spotted making her way to Times Square as the billboard featuring the front page shot made its grand debut in New York City.

Kate Upton is featured on the cover of 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The news was leaked before the billboard was unveiled

The famous billboard shows off the newest star of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue before being re-covered for Letterman's big reveal

Lately, Kate Upton shines in a bikini during Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 in Miami

Kate Upton looks sexy and flawless in front of the lens of photographer Walter Iooss Jr. in Australia

Kate Upton looks stunning in the runway at the Beach Bunny Swimwear show during Merecdes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 at The Raleigh

The 19-year-old model looks proud when making shortlist of models speculated for the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine’s annual swimsuit issue 2012

Talking about the announcement, Kate stated, “All I can really say is that I’m in the issue. Fingers crossed”

The 19-year-old arrives at David Letteman knowing that this cover has catapaulted many models before her to international fame

Collected by: Graphics Design

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