Beyonce Makes SI Swimsuit Issue History

Beyonce Knowles marks a first in this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue: She is the only non-model/non-athlete to ever appear on the cover. The 2007 edition has a music theme and features the 25-year-old performer on the cover in a yellow-and-pink bikini.

As she struck a sexy pose for the cover of this year's swimsuit issue of US magazine, Beyonce Knowles oozed a lot of oomph, baring her world famous curves in a skimpy bikini.

And while the bootylicious singer writhed in the sand and played in the water, wearing a bright yellow and orange bikini - one thing that apparently drew everyone's attention was - Beyonce indeed is a stunner with an extremely 'hot' body.

It's the first time Knowles has been snapped in swim attire, and despite being one of the most photographed women in the world, she admits she found the experience nerve-wracking.

Don't let the magazine cover that will sell millions of copies fool you. "It takes a lot of guts. I'm really a shy person. But in my everyday world, as a musical performer, I'm playing a character," The Sun quoted the star, as saying.

"I had to tap that same character," she added.

Meanwhile, ten years after Tyra Banks became the first African-American supermodel to appear alone on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, Knowles has set a new milestone by becoming the first covergirl who is neither a model nor an athlete.