Kate Upton named 2017 SI Swim cover model on Jimmy Kimmel

The cover model for this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue was revealed on Jimmy Kimmel, with Kate Upton earning honors.

Historically speaking, the SI Swim issue is legendary. Published every year since 1964, when Babette March appeared on the first ever cover, the SI Swim issue is something that everyone looks forward to.

Whether it’s the photography, the interesting articles or just the sheer hype every February, this is the magazine world’s Super Bowl. The issue is such a massive deal that a block of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show was reserved to make the announcement of this year’s cover model.

For the first time since 2014, the cover was reveled on Jimmy Kimmel Live and it was an event you didn’t want to miss.

After some brief pomp and circumstance, it was revealed that Kate Upton earned the honor of being the cover model for a third time in her career.

There was a ton of hype about Christie Brinkley, who is appearing in the issue at the age of 63-years old. She knows all about SI Swim covers though, appearing on a total of three which puts her second to only the legendary Elle Macpherson, who was cover model five times in her career.

Last year things got interesting when SI named three different cover models. In a historic move, there were three separate issues created, one for each individual model. UFC fighter Ronda Rousey graced one of the covers while Hailey Clauson and Ashley Graham received their own covers as well.

It remains one of the best moments in the history of the SI Swim issue.

You can pick up the SI Swimsuit issue tomorrow at newsstands everywhere. Be sure to check out the VIBE event that will be taking place in Houston this weekend as well, which is a chance to more interactive with the SI Swim launch than ever before.