Summary (tl;dr)

Tiffany Haddish, Hilary Duff, and Alix Earle are trending due to their selection as cover models for the highly anticipated Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026 issue, a landmark decision celebrating diverse forms of beauty and influence.

Essential Background

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has been an annual publication since 1964, traditionally featuring fashion models in swimwear from exotic locations. Over the years, it has evolved to include athletes, celebrities, and women from various fields, often highlighting themes of empowerment and body positivity. In recent years, the issue has diversified its selection of models, moving beyond traditional supermodels to embrace a broader range of ages, body types, and backgrounds. Alix Earle, for instance, was also featured on the first-ever digital issue in 2024, signaling a move towards digital content and a wider array of personalities.

The Full Story

On May 12, 2026, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit officially unveiled its 2026 issue, prominently featuring comedian Tiffany Haddish, actress and singer Hilary Duff, social media influencer Alix Earle, and model Nicole Williams English as its cover stars. This announcement has sparked significant online interest, with fans and media celebrating the magazine's continued embrace of diverse and influential women. Each of the four cover models was photographed in distinct, exotic locales: Hilary Duff in South Caicos, Alix Earle in Botswana, Tiffany Haddish in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, and Nicole Williams English in Montauk, N.Y.. Editor-in-chief MJ Day lauded this year's class as "extraordinary," emphasizing their role as "changemakers" who "redefine what you might expect" from the publication. The stars themselves have shared their excitement, with Duff expressing appreciation for her body and Haddish humorously remarking on the "itty bitty" swimsuits.

Why It Matters

This trend is significant because it underscores a continuing shift in beauty standards and media representation within the fashion and entertainment industries. By featuring women like Tiffany Haddish, a 46-year-old comedian and actress, and Hilary Duff, a 38-year-old mother of four with a resurgent music career, alongside younger influencer Alix Earle, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is amplifying a message of inclusivity and empowerment that resonates with a broad audience. The issue highlights women celebrated not just for their physical appearance, but for their resilience, relevance, and ability to inspire. This move away from a singular, narrow definition of beauty sparks conversations about self-acceptance and the diverse paths to influence in today's media landscape. The collective trending of these individuals indicates public interest in these evolving narratives and the personalities driving them.

Geographic Location

• South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Overseas Territory, United Kingdom (Hilary Duff's photoshoot)
• Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico (Tiffany Haddish's photoshoot)
• Botswana (Alix Earle's photoshoot)
• Montauk, Suffolk County, New York, United States (Nicole Williams English's photoshoot)