Brianna LaPaglia makes waves as the new cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, embracing her journey of self-reclamation.

LaQuinta: Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is really turning things around for herself. She just made her debut as a cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in their January 2025 digital issue.
In her interview, she opened up about reclaiming her identity after a tough breakup with country singer Zach Bryan. She said it’s not just about looking good in a swimsuit; it’s about taking back control of her life.
LaPaglia shared how she felt blindsided when Bryan announced their breakup on social media without giving her a heads-up. She was shocked and emotional when she found out through his Instagram post.
After the split, she claimed that Bryan’s team offered her a hefty sum to keep quiet about their relationship. She talked about this on a podcast, revealing how it felt to be approached with such an offer.
She also mentioned feeling like she had to dim her personality during their relationship. Now, she’s rediscovering her spark and enjoying conversations with people again.
Being on the SI cover feels like a big win for her, and she even joked about it being a little “f— you” to her ex. She’s excited about this new chapter in her life and is ready to embrace it.
Reflecting on the past year, she noted that despite the challenges, it taught her valuable lessons and helped shape her into a stronger woman.