Lizzo has just shared some exciting news.
The 38-year-old singer will grace the cover of the July 2026 edition of Sports Illustrated Swimwear. This digital cover is actually the result of discussions she and her Yitty brand team started years ago while working on a swimwear line.
“Every time I do Yitty Swim, it feels like we’re hitting a Sports Illustrated level,” she mentioned during an interview with Paper magazine’s editorial director, Mickey Boardman. “If you believe in your dreams, they can become reality.”
Reflecting on her past, Lizzo said, “When I was younger, I looked at it and never imagined someone with my body type would be on the cover. It’s really amazing to see how we’ve been redefining what it means to have a ‘sexy’ body and what a swimsuit body even is.”
The cover features a black bikini she designed herself as part of Yitty Swim, a brand she launched in 2022 that focuses on size inclusivity. She paired it with a sheer black sarong and accessories from Ralph Lauren, letting her honey-colored curls flow freely against a backdrop of palm trees.
Lizzo anticipates some backlash but seems ready for it. “Seeing my sexy, fat, amazing cover on Yitty Swim might inspire some people,” she said thoughtfully, “But you know…just go for it.”
The evening before the photo shoot, she headlined the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show in Miami, showcasing an electric blue dress that featured the word “Bitch,” a nod to her album released in May.
During the shoot, she also wore various outfits, including a gold Yitty dress and accessories, all styled for different poses against stunning locations like a mansion in South Florida and at the Residence Yacht Club.
In a candid moment, Lizzo admitted to gaining 20 pounds over the past year, expressing her desire to feel “thicker” and “juicier.” She noted that while some people misunderstand her motivations, her weight gain was intentional.
To those questioning her cover, she simply advised, “Leave it alone.”
After the photo shoot, Lizzo attended Swim Week’s closing party at E11even in Miami, bringing along a group of friends. She shared that just before the runway show, a rainstorm made the catwalk slippery, causing some models to fall—yet she managed to stay on her feet.
Looking ahead, she’s set to star in an upcoming biopic about Sister Rosetta Tharpe and will also release her first children’s book, titled *Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B. Floatin*, this fall.
