Ciara’s latest (1, 2) step toward icon status? Landing the2022 coverofSports Illustrated Swimsuit.
The superstar performer joins mogulKim Kardashian, model and activistMaye Muskand modeling industry rising starYumi Nuas part of this year’s cover class.
“The journey we’ve been on—to break out of the mold the world put us in—may sound familiar. It’s certainly familiar to the women we’ve chosen to be our cover models: Maye, Ciara, Yumi, Kim,” MJ Day, editor in chief ofSI Swimsuit, said in a statement. “Ciara has seen enormous success as a performer while simultaneously focusing on her passion for philanthropy and service.”
Ciara’s husband,Russell Wilson, penned a sweet tribute to his wife as part of this year’s cover story, opening up about how she is a beacon of positivity.
Ben watts/Sports Illustrated
“That’s what my wife does. She inspires people because she connects with them. She tilts rooms when she walks into them; it really seems like all the furniture just slides her way,” the 33-year-old NFL star wrote. “Maybe it’s an interaction with a fan, where she’ll suggest they take a selfie together before the fan can even ask. Or it might be a far more serious situation. I remember our first visit to Seattle Children’s Hospital, when a mother of a boy who was ill held on to her for a good five minutes without letting go. That’s the kind of woman Ciara is — a ray of light.”
The couple, who have beenmarriedsince 2016, are parents to 19-month-old sonWin Harrison, daughterSienna Princess, 4, as well as sonFuture Zahir, 7, whom Ciara shares with ex Future.
Wilson, who was introduced as the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos in March, added that anSI Swimsuitcover marks a bucket list moment for his wife.
“As you can probably tell, I’m incredibly proud of my wife. And now that she’s on the cover ofSI Swimsuit, that’s one more thing for me to take pride in,” he shared. “I know it’s something she’s always wanted. And I know she’ll use the visibility that comes with being on the cover to inspire even more people—not only as a mother and the beautiful angel and the powerful woman that she is.
On her cover girl dreams coming true, the “Level Up” singer toldSI, “I’ve always dreamt of being on this cover, ever since I was really young. Especially as an entertainer. It’s always been pretty significant in the entertainment space. So it’s a big dream come true for me. And it was a special day when I got the call.”
The 2022 issue continues to build onSI Swimsuit’s platform of diversity and empowerment, featuring 28 beautiful women includingWNBA stars Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, newcomers Duckie Thot, Kamie Crawford and Olivia Ponton as well as former cover models Camille Kostek, Leyna Bloom and Kate Bock.
“We all deserve the chance to evolve. So in this issue, we encourage readers to see these models as we see them: multifaceted, multitalented — and sexy while they’re at it,” Day said in a statement. “The world may label them one way, but we want to focus our lens on all the ways they see themselves and how they own who they are. No matter your age, whether you’re a new mom, partner, sister, entertainer, athlete, entrepreneur, advocate, student, mentor, role model, leader or dreamer—or all of the above—we want to celebrate these women, their evolution and the many dimensions of who they are.”
The 2022 Issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is available on newsstands May 19.
source: people.com
