Kate Upton is an American swimsuit model who beat the likes of our own Genevieve Morton, to the cover of the new 2012 US Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. Reuters had this to say:

Sports Illustrated magazine on Monday unveiled its annual swimsuit issue with model Kate Upton on the cover in a two-toned, red string bikini with a bottom piece that, literally, appears to be little more than a string.

Upton, 19, a native of Melbourne, Florida, is the latest in a long line of models including Heidi Klum, Elle MacPherson, Tyra Banks and Brooklyn Decker, who have appeared in the coveted role as the swimsuit issue’s cover girl.

[more here]

Okay – rad! To find out why everyone is going mad about her, click ‘continue reading’ for a comprehensive photo gallery.