The 2017 SI swimsuit issue features Kate Upton as she graces the magazine's cover for the third time. The 24-year-old model was rumored to be this years SI cover girl prior to the revelation.

Upton was first featured in the swimsuit issue back in 2012 and appeared again a year later. Now in the 2017 SI Swimsuit issue, Kate Upton once again flaunts her curves and slender figure in three collectible magazine covers.

According to MailOnline, some of the photo shoots even featured a half-naked Kate! The blonde bombshell was photographed in a way that she's barely covering her bust.

Upton mentioned that the hand placement was "very important" in this 2017 SI swimsuit issue, or what she jokingly refers to as the "Sports Illustrated Nude Magazine." In fact, the magazine's editor shared that Upton looked so good during the photo-shoots, that they couldn't decide which photo to choose for the cover.

 

In order to give justice to the photos, they came up with three "special collector's covers." However, it's not all good feedback for the up-and-coming actress and model.

According to Metro, Upton's 2017 SI Swimsuit issue cover was almost at risk of not making it to the publication. The source attributed the cause of this was due to Upton's alleged diva-like behavior. A source mentioned that Upton would only do the photo shoot with her specific list of photographers, make-up artists and photographers that she'd work with.

The source mentioned that the 24-year-old had too many demands before agreeing to the 2017 SI swimsuit issue photo shoot. The issue wasn't exactly confirmed nor was it addressed by the model herself, however.

As for Upton, she revealed that the whole 2017 SI swimsuit issue cover shoot was intentionally kept as a secret. A secret that the "Three Stooges" actress only told her fiance Justin Verlander and some of her family members.