Beyoncé Rocks The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Yes, it's that time of year again ... time to complain about how the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue just isn't what it used to be, even if laments about how the annual supermodel bikini blowout isn't as necessary anymore in the age of Maxim have also become as traditional as the postman thumbing through your copy of the magazine before stuffing it your mailbox. We suspect that SI's editors agree, which is probably why they've chosen Beyoncé Knowles as this year's cover girl. It's the first time that the coveted slot has gone to an actual celebrity rather than a professional model, and it seems to signify that the magazine feels the need to change things up a bit in order to stay relevant (and generate some much needed buzz.) They also seem to understand that no one reads magazines on paper anymore, which is why they've rather graciously shared over 1,000 photos and dozens of videos on their website—all for free. It may not be as unique as it once was, but the girls are just as hot as ever and it's very generous of them to save everyone a trip to the newsstand on a cold February morning. So go ahead and enjoy the beach-errfic action right on your monitor. Your favorite issue of Stuff (if not FHM) will still be waiting for you in the bathroom.

· 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)

· See also: SI Swimsuit Model 2006/2007 Directory (quick links @ torontopics.com)

Previously: Leeann Tweeden and FHM's Last Gasp, 100 Hot Footballer's Wives, NBA All-Star Dance Team, Petra Nemcova Megagallery, Sharapova 2006 Sports Illustrated Gallery, SI Swimsuit 2005