STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Viola Davis Rocks A Glossy Latex Look On The Cover of ELLE Brasil—See The Fab Photo!

See the magazine photo that's breaking the internet!

Black celebrities are continuing to grace of the covers of magazines. We saw how Black girl magic took over in 2019 and 2020, well, in 2021 these publishers are keeping the same energy.

According to Fashionista, diversity was up in 2018 17% from 2017 — a record-breaking jump since the industry site began keeping track five years ago. Fashionista counted the domestic newsstand editions of nine print magazines and found that in total, 62 out of the 128 covers counted starred Black or brown women (including those who identify as mixed race and of Latin or Hispanic descent). Talk about sprinkling our magic!

Of course much of this increase is due to the ceiling-shattering number of Black women who covered the highly anticipated September issues: 54.5% of September’s covers starred people of color, a 32.3% increase from the year before. 

Having Black women on these covers isn't only special, but it’s monumental in 2021. So, this is just a reminder that Black entertainers shouldn’t go unrecognized.

Take a look at all the magic below:

  • Viola Davis

    Viola Davis is on the cover of ELLE Brasil! For the September issue, the actress was photographed in Los Angeles by Marcos Florentino and Kelvin Yule in a glossy latex look that commanded attention. Such a fab photo!

  • Kofi Siriboe and Bianca Lawson

    As the Queen Sugar final season approaches, stars Kofi Siriboe and Bianca Lawson cover the latest issue of Ebony. Styled by Ade Samuel, the duo are donning stylish designer looks and definitely turning up the heat with their PDA. 

  • Serena Williams

    Serena Williams is Vogue's latest cover girl. The tennis champ donned a pale blue Balenciaga gown on the September cover with her adorable daughter, Olympia. The 40-year-old opens up about retiring from tennis after earning the GOAT title. 

  • Saucy Santana

    The Material Gworl himself is gracing the June cover of Teen Vogue. It’s powerful for Black queer people to see themselves in both rap and popular culture, and not as a niche. With rappers like Saucy Santana room is being made in the rap world to not only exist as a queer person but to thrive. Regardless of what the world is ready to accept, Santana in his corsets, high heels, and all his glory, is on his way to superstardom. Read the June cover star’s full interview with Teen Vogue.

  • Naomi Osaka: Vogue Hong Kong

    Tennis champ, Naomi Osaka is back with another magazine cover. This time around, she's gracing the July cover of Vogue Hong Kong for their Olympics issue. 

    “Tennis sensation Naomi Osaka is breaking boundaries! One of three Vogue Hong Kong digital exclusive stars, Osaka is not only renowned for her sporting prowess but has also made waves in the world of fashion and beauty,” wrote the magazine in the caption.

    Styled by Law Roach, Osaka is looking extremely beautiful wearing a white fishnet dress with an intriguing pair of earrings that look exactly like a set of tennis racquets. The entire look is designed by David Koma from their SS21 collection. Talk about flawless! 

    After withdrawing from the French Open and Wimbledon, Naomi Osaka will be back on the court at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. We're glad Naomi took sometime to prioritize her mental health, and we arer looking forward to seeing her at the Olympics! 

  • Rihanna: Vogue Italia

    Rihanna played some major roles in making her Vogue Italia cover shoot, for lack of better words, iconic! 

    According to the magazine, the multi-talented star not only snapped the images, but also chose to drape herself in the sheer Maison Valentino gown and thigh-high strappy heels that has the internet singing her praises.

    "Rihanna By Rihanna!" Vogue Italia wrote on social media. “When for our Do It Yourself issue Rihanna Did It Herself photographing and styling her own cover.”

    The famous fashion publication explained, “On set Rihanna played simultaneously the artist and the muse, the observer and the observed, the director and the character, experimenting on the fine line that exists between the two sides of an artist."

    For those who may not know, Rih joins Madonna as the two only singers who have graced covers on American Vogue, British Vogue, Vogue Paris, and Vogue Italia. 

  • Issa Rae: Vanity Fair

    Issa Rae is showing up and showing out on the cover of Vanity Magazine! Photographed by Adrienne Raquel, the entertainment mogul left us speechless with her eye-catching gold bralette, which she perfectly rocked underneath her Saint Laurent suit jacket.  

    Styled by Shiona Turini, the look was appropriately completed with Tiffany & Co. earrings and a statement-making belt. So chic! 

  • Lil Nas X: Entertainment Weekly

    Lil Nas X is using his fame to break barriers! Appearing on the June cover of Entertainment Weekly, the stylish rapper commanded attention in a minty-green ensemble. 

    On the bonus cover of the magazine’s Pride Issue, the trendsetter stunned in a custom white suit with long white acrylic nails. 

  • "I want to be a voice for those who pretend to be themselves, but aren't quite there yet," the 22-year-old star shared with the publication. 

    To get your hands on EW's 2021 Pride Issue— with covers featuring Lil Nas X, Mj Rodriguez, Lena Waithe, and Bowen Yang— check your local newsstands beginning May 14.

  • Issa Rae: Rolling Stone

    Issa Rae has a strict morning routine that consists of taking an hour-long walk at 4:20 a.m. on weekdays. 

    While chatting with Rolling Stone about topics that ranged from her creative upbringing to her everyday lifestyle, the multi-hyphenate beauty revealed she's constantly thinking about her next business move. 

    "I’m just always thinking about work,” Rae tells the publication. “I was always like this. [In the past] it was like, ‘I need to work to make sure I have the means of affording a place to live.’ [Or] ‘This didn’t work, what’s the next thing I can do?’ I think that’s just how my mind works. That’s Capricorn shit. Workaholic sh*t.” 

    The 36-year-old's hard work has definitely paid off with several lucrative businesses under her belt. Don’t even get us started about her five-year deal with WarnerMedia that’s awarded her a whopping nine figures! 

    To see the jaw-dropping photos from the Rollingstone photoshoot, click here. 

  • Naomi Osaka And YBN Cordae: GQ Magazine

    Naomi Osaka and her rapper boyfriend, YBN Cordae, are gracing the March issue of GQ magazine. The young couple are the cover stars for the modern lovers issue.

    The Tennis champ is styling in a custom knit sweater by Hope Macaulay with her natural tresses pulled up into a loose ponytail. Cordae wears a striped Paul Smith sweater with his honey blonde twists. 

    “We don’t post intimate moments because I feel as though they’re sacred. A relationship is really a sacred thing. Once you let outside influences get into it, it becomes less sacred,” Naomi in the article. 

    They are one stylish couple. We hope to see more of this duo! 

    Read the entire cover story here. 

  • Cassie: Harper's Bazaar Vietnam

    Cassie elegantly posed for the February issue of Harper's Bazaar Vietnam, and quite frankly, the 33-year-old mom,  looks ravishing.

    Photographed by Raen Badua and styled by Wilford Lenov in a custom Angel Brinks dress, the singer and actress modeled several looks, and looks stunning. 

    See the photos, here. 

  • Barack Obama: InStyle Magazine

    Barack Obama is iconic! Weeks after his epic three-point basketball shot took the internet by storm, our forever POTUS landed the January 2021 cover of InStyle Magazine wearing the same jacket. 

    A nod to the viral video, the magazine's cover reads "That's What I Do," which is exactly what Mr. Obama yelled after nailing the game-winning shot. 

    Although the 44th President was reportedly reluctant to wear the outerwear because he had "better jackets," the photos captured by young Black photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis are nothing less than amazing! 

    To check out the cover story, visit InStyle.com.

  • Megan Thee Stallion: GQ Magazine

    Megan Thee Stallion’s lyrical abilities and high fashion flare have landed her on the cover of GQ. 

    Donned the “Rapper of the Year” by the popular lifestyle magazine, the Hot Girl rapper chatted about her beginning years in the music industry, as well as her plans for the future. 

    Styled by Eric McNeal, the 25-year-old beauty embodied high glamour with a touch of urban flash as she flexed in delicate emerald jewels by Bulgari, along with statement rings of her own. We would be remiss if we didn't make mention to her unbelievably long tresses that casually cascaded outside the car's window. 

    The glamorous images which were captured by another young Black woman, photographer Adrienne Raquel, will likely have the December/January issue flying off the shelves. To read her cover story, visit GQ.com.

  • Teyana Taylor: Billboard Magazine

    Teyana Taylor showed up and showed out on the cover of Billboard Magazine! Photographed by Gizelle Hernandez, the mother of two stunned in her black sheer ensemble, which she boldly paired with Chanel earrings—as pasties! 

    With hair by Edith Donaldson-Wheeler and makeup by Kevin Wade, the 29-year-old definitely commanded our attention. Honestly, we still cannot believe that she gave birth only two months ago! 

    Looking good, sis! To read her joint cover story with Kehlani and Jhené Aiko, click here.

  • Beyoncé: Three British Vogue Covers

  • Beyoncé surprised us not only by dropping her highly anticipated Ivy Park collection this morning, but she also released three British Vogue covers. Mrs. Carter is stunting on the December issue, wearing looks galore!

    Styled by Bey's longtime stylist, Zerina, Beyoncé wears a black, sheer Mugler catsuit, her neon yellow Ivy Park jumpsuit, and a black McQueen ruffle blazer. 

    Shot by a Black woman, Kennedi Carter, hair styled by Jawara, and makeup by Francesca Tolot, these covers will go down in history as some of the best we've ever seen!

  • Naomi Campbell: Vogue Magazine

    Naomi Campbell elegantly posed for the November issue of Vogue Magazine, and quite frankly, the 50-year-old model looks ravishing.

    Photographed by Ethan James Green and styled by Carlos Nazario in a Dior Haute Couture dress, the supermodel shared with the fashion publication exactly how she supports the new generation of models through mentorship. 

    To read her interview, click here

  • Ashanti an her sister, Shia On The cover of Sheen Magazine

    Ashanti and her sister, Shia look gorgeous in the latest issue of Sheen magazine. The songstress and her sister wore custom turtleneck sweaters by J Creations with theirs initials on the front. 

    The ladies both wore pink pumps by sustainable vegan brand, Cult Of Coquette while posing on a front stoop of a Brooklyn home. Ashanti's sleek high ponytail pulled the look together perfectly. 

  • Kerry Washington on the September cover of TOWN & COUNTRY magazine

    Kerry Washington has successfully left us speechless after we spotted the famous actress on the cover of Town & Country's September issue. 

    Photographed by Black photography duo AB+DM, the 43-year-old star looked beautiful as she showcased her radiant skin and a flawless ‘fro styled by Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. Lovely!

  • Zonnique On The Cover Of Afrostyle Magazine

    Zonnique Pullins lands the cover of Afrostyle magazine! The 23-year-old singer and reality TV star looks stunning on their latest issue, volume 44. Her hair is styled in ponytails and she's wearing a tulle dress by House of Mua Mua. Yass Zonnique is looking fierce!

  • Megan Thee Stallion On The May cover of Marie Claire

    Megan Thee Stallion is turning up the heat as the cover star of Marie Claire’s May issue. 

    The 25-year-old Houston rapper looks gorgeous gracing the cover wearing a $1,600 rust-colored net dress and nude bodysuit by Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh. In the article, Meg opens up about her dating life and using her power to control it. As the president of the “Hot Girls” club, she says:

    "Sometimes I can treat men like they're disposable, and it's because I know that I don't need you. You're here because I want you to be here," the rapper revealed.

    Meg credits her mother Holly Thomas, who passed away from a brain tumor in March 2019, for inspiring her to work hard to accomplish her goals.

    "I would see her fit in writing after work and before work, I'm used to seeing her work ethic," the rapper told Marie Claire of her mother, who would juggle her music aspirations with her day job as a bill collector. 

    While Meg is an award-winning rapper, she is also a student at Texas Southern University and dreams of opening an assisted-living facility for the elderly in her hometown. Talk about a multifaceted woman! 

    The cover was photographed by Micaiah Carter, for the entire interview, click here

  • Keke Palmer On the Digital Cover Of Harper's Bazaar

    (Photo: Adrienne Raquel for Harper's Bazaar)

    Adrienne Raquel for Harper's Bazaar

    (Photo: Adrienne Raquel for Harper's Bazaar)

    Keke Palmer is serving face and timeless style on this month’s Harper’s Bazaar digital cover. 

    The 26-year-old actress and co-host of Strahan, Sara & Keke, looks stunning in a gold sequin Marc Jacobs gown, accompanying red floor-length coat and eye-catching hat to match. The head-to-toe Marc Jacobs ensemble is the perfect complement to Keke’s confident and fearless attitude. 

    The young queen took our breath away sporting her faux locs, which is uncommon on many magazines covers today. Styled by Cassie Anderson, Keke is giving us old Hollywood glam.

    In addition to her fierce fashions, Keke opens up to Harper’s about her social media presence and why she posts funny yet uplifting captions. She writes:

    “If I’m gonna have something to say, or if I’m gonna be someone that’s looked at, I wanna try my best to uplift other people like me. Whether they be Black, whether they be women, whether they be millennials, whether they be the underdog, whatever. If I can be that voice, why not?”

    Keke also tells the media outlet that she hasn’t been working due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but is taking this time to stay active and creative. She says, “So obviously we aren’t currently working, which sucks! I miss our crew and Michael and Sara. However, it does free some space up in my head to play around with ideas that I haven’t had the chance to get around to. Now that I’m chained to the house, I have no other choice but to find fun ways to stay active and creative! If you’re looking to be entertained for a bit, check out my Insta. I’ve turned it into my own daytime talk show!”

    Keke may be young, but she is focused and knows exactly what she wants out of life. 

    For the full interview, click here.

  • SZA, Megan Thee Stallion & Normani

    (Photo: Campbell Addy/ Rolling Stone)

    Campbell Addy/ Rolling Stone

    (Photo: Campbell Addy/ Rolling Stone)

    It's a Rolling Stone takeover! SZA, Megan Thee Stallion, and Normani snagged a cover for the magazine's second annual "Women Shaping the Future" issue and we stan!

    Photographed by Campbell Addy, each artist dropped jaws in their skin-baring leather looks. Styled by Dianne Garcia for The Only Agency, SZA rocked a teeny-tiny lingerie bra, with Karl Kani pants, Heliot Emil boots, and a shimmery name belt by Martine Ali.

    Megan called on her stylist EJ King to give her a sexy and edgy look. With a skin-tight bodysuit by Bao Tranchi and studded boots by Jennifer Le— mission accomplished. 

    Last but not least, Normani grabbed our attention with her Zana Bayne belt and bra, Marina Hoermanseder leather skirt, and necklaces by Laruicci and Adore Adorn. Styled by Vincent Smith for Mastermind Management Group, the star completed her look with heels by Stuart Weitzman. 

    The issue, which features in-depth profiles of the artists, will be available on stands Mar. 3.

  • Kerry Washington

    Serving up floral perfection in an off-the-shoulder Dries Van Noten dress with a stunning curly mane, Kerry Washington dazzled on the cover of InStyle’s new “Fashion Issue.” 

    Describing herself as “really, really vigilant” about keeping her three children with her husband and former NFL star Nnamdi Asomugha, out of the public eye, the famed actress opened up about her choice to keep her offspring out of the spotlight.

     “These are their lives. But it’s not about pulling a Rapunzel and hiding them away in a castle from the world — we don’t want to do that,” Kerry told the InStyle in their March issue. “I think any parent would want to keep kids from a situation that causes them to feel scared. I don’t want them to be exploited, particularly in this social-media world.”

    What parent can’t understand that? We’ll wait.

    To read more from the interview, click here.  

  • Billy Porter

    Billy Porter looks stunning on the cover of Allure's The Art of Beauty issue. The iconic actor, singer, and style idol opened up about being unapolgetically himself. 

  • John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and Their children Miles and Luna

    (Photo: Mark Seliger for Vanity Fair)

    Mark Seliger for Vanity Fair

    (Photo: Mark Seliger for Vanity Fair)

    John Legend and Chrissy Teigen appear on the December cover of Vanity Fair. They pose with their beautiful babies, Miles, 17-months and Luna, age 3. The couple discusses politics and raising their family in the cover story. Chrissy is styled to perfection in a floral, ruffle sleeve Marc Jacobs dress, while John is casual in Dior. They are such a gorgeous family. Can we say #familygoals!? 

  • Rihanna

    Photo: Ethan James Green for Vogue
    Photo: Ethan James Green for Vogue

    Rihanna graces another Vogue magazine cover wearing a sheer look from her name's sake FENTY line. The superstar turned mogul opens up about turning down the opportunity to perform at the Superbowl, and what she has planned for her FENTY line in the future. The issue will hit stands on Friday, October 10.  

  • Lena Waithe, Melina Matsoukas, and Jodie Turner-Smith

    Lena, Melina, and Jodie are the ladies behind the thought-provoking upcoming film, 'Queen and Slim.' They graced Elle magazines Women In Hollywood stunning in different hues of blue. Styled by Shiona Turini, this trio is a force to be reckoned with! 

  • Jaden and Willow Smith

    (Photo: Hugo Comte for Vogue Italia)

    Photo: Hugo Comte for Vogue Italia

    (Photo: Hugo Comte for Vogue Italia)
  • J. Cole

    (Photo:

    Photo:

    (Photo: AWOL ERIZKU for GQ)

    J. Cole opened up to GQ magazine about music and life as a father. He was styled like we've never seen him before, in 10 different designer outfits, and was even featured a lynx in the spread. To read the full article, check out GQ. The April issue is on newsstands now.

  • Frank Ocean

  • Michelle Obama

  • Cardi B

  • Rihanna

  • Serena Williams

  • Ciara

  • Amandla Stenberg

  • Tracee ellis Ross

  • BeyoncÉ

  • Rihanna

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.