Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2013: Kate Upton Proves She Has Star Power

After being named the cover model of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue for the second year in a row, Kate Upton has emphatically proven her star power.

Last year, Upton exploded into the national spotlight after gracing the cover. She's made numerous television appearances since then, starred in a Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl commercial and landed a role in The Three Stooges movie.

Oh yeah, and she's still only 20 years old.

It's easy to say that Upton has risen to astronomical heights because of her looks, but that's not the whole deal. She's seamlessly transitioned into pop culture, exhibiting the confidence, enthusiasm and overall persona to represent several companies. She's not only a pretty face, but someone who appears to bask in the spotlight (although "bask" may be the wrong word given she's pictured in Antarctica in the latest Swimsuit Issue).

Upton is one of only five models in history to repeat on back-to-back covers of the SI Swimsuit issue, joining Christie Brinkley, Elle MacPherson, Paulina Porizkova and Tyra Banks.

Upton called her experience modeling for the Swimsuit Issue this year as her "most thrilling ever," according to the Miami Herald. And she just so happened to repeat on the issue's 50th anniversary.

Beyond Antarctica, Upton modeled in sites such as African dunes and Asian cliffs in the latest issue. Models in the issues appeared in photo shoots across all seven continents.

Upton not only has the looks to be a star in the modeling world, she has the personality to make the most of her opportunities. In that regard, this may be just the beginning for the 20-year-old.

Given all that Upton has done so far, who knows how high her career will climb in the coming years.