Kate Upton: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover 'was [her] dream'

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Kate Upton, 19, is the cover girl for the 49th annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She also graces the cover of the New York Times Tuesday (Feb. 14) in an article about her meteoric rise to fame as a model.

The NYT article is about how Kate Upton really gained fame last April when she posted a video of herself doing the "Dougie" at a Los Angeles Clippers basketball game. And it's been all coming up roses for her ever since.

"Everyone talks about how the age of the supermodel is dead, but I don't think it's dead. I just think people want more," says Upton, on "Today." "We have new technology. People want to see personalities, not just someone walking down a runway or just a face. That's why campaigns go to actresses now."

She says of the SI cover, "Being on the cover was my dream, so I just want to live in this moment. I know it's a huge career boost, but I'm just going to ride it out and see where it takes me."

As for the past SI swimsuit cover girls that she admires, Kate says, "I loved Heidi Klum, but now Kathy Ireland's on the cover of Forbes so that's pretty amazing as well."

Congratulations to Kate Upton. She seems like a nice girl.