Summary (tl;dr)

Tiffany Haddish, Hilary Duff, and Alix Earle are currently trending as they have been revealed as three of the four cover models for the highly anticipated 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, which officially launched today, May 12, 2026.

Essential Background

For over 60 years, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has been an iconic franchise known for featuring prominent women and celebrating beauty, diversity, and empowerment. Alix Earle previously made history as the magazine's inaugural digital cover star in 2024 and also appeared in the 2025 issue. This ongoing tradition sets the stage for the annual reveal of its models, generating significant public interest.

The Full Story

The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue was officially released today, May 12, 2026, featuring four distinct cover models: comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish, singer and actress Hilary Duff, influencer Alix Earle, and model Nicole Williams English. The issue showcases 34 women in total and was photographed across five global destinations. Tiffany Haddish's cover shoot took place in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, where she was captured by photographer James Macari. Hilary Duff's photographs were taken in South Caicos by Kat Irlin. Meanwhile, Alix Earle was photographed in Botswana by Ruven Afanador. The magazine highlights these women for their "relevance, resilience, and range" beyond typical expectations, embodying self-acceptance and personal evolution.

Why It Matters

The trending keywords reflect significant public interest in the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, particularly due to the diverse and impactful choices for its cover models. The inclusion of figures like Tiffany Haddish, known for her comedic talent and advocacy for foster children, and Hilary Duff, who is celebrating a musical comeback and embracing her body as a mother of four, emphasizes the magazine's commitment to showcasing women who are changemakers and embody confidence and grace. Alix Earle's continued presence further solidifies her influence as a digital creator. This annual event continues to spark conversations around body diversity, inclusivity, and the evolving definition of beauty, resonating with a broad audience interested in fashion, entertainment, and cultural representation.

Geographic Location

• Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico (Tiffany Haddish's photoshoot)
• South Caicos, Turks and Caicos (Hilary Duff's photoshoot)
• Botswana (Alix Earle's photoshoot)
• New York City, New York, United States (launch celebrations for the issue)