It was certainly a surprise to many in the sports world.

The 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover features none other than singer/actress Beyonce Knowles. Yes she is everything in a swimsuit that other covers have been and continues the long line of beautiful women that make the issue the best-seller that it always is.

But the selection of Beyonce meant that for the first time the cover did not go to a model. In fact, Beyonce is the first women to be featured in the magazine that is not an athlete, the spouse of an athlete.

In addition, she is just the second African-American woman to make the Sports Illustrated cover in the 43 years the magazine has been featuring the swimsuit edition. Tyra Banks twice held that honor, being selected in both 1996 and 1997. Banks and Argentinian Valerie Mazza shared the '96 spot.

The photos were taken in the beautiful white sand of Key Biscayne, Florida. The colorful bikini featured on the cover is from her own fashion line from House of Dereon. The singer noted that her mother, Tina, served as the designer for the suit.

The Superstar acknowledged that the shoot was nerve-wracking for someone as shy as she. Beyonce also noted that in preparation she diligently watched what she ate before the sessions.

Whatever the case, the photos will thrill sports fans.