In news that everyone saw coming, Kate Upton has been named the 2013 Model of the Year. This begs the question however, does anyone remember reading about any other model this year? Miss Upton didn’t really face abundant competition in that department. Nevertheless, it is quite the achievement.

To think that it all started from her joke dance video.

The Sports Illustrated alumna will receive the award on Wednesday, at the 12th Annual Style Awards, E!News reports. Besides her physique and her classic “girl next door” features, Upton mostly owes her big break to photographer Terry Richardson and Sports Illustrated. Now a three-time SI cover veteran, she made her first big appearance on the cover of the 2012 swimsuit issue. While she had been a working model for four years prior and achieved viral fame with a video of her doing the “dougie” at an LA Clippers game, it was the Sports Illustrated cover that really cemented Miss Upton into the public’s consciousness, and reaffirmed herself as the biggest emerging name in the business.

Kate Upton, PUNK: Chaos To CouturePunching critics right in the ridiculous standard.

It hasn’t been all fun and games, however. Many people in the fashion industry have criticised Upton for not having the “high-fashion look” and not fitting the industry standard, super slim body type. But Upton’s response to the criticism turned her into an accidental role model for women. In a recent Vogue interview, she said: "The things that they’re rejecting are things that I can’t change. I can’t change my bra size. They're natural! I can work out and I can stay healthy and motivated, but I can't change some things. I really just live my life. I love my body. It's what God gave me! I feel confident with myself, and if that inspires other women to feel confident with their bodies, great."

Looks like the 19-year-old model more than managed to get past the criticism.

Kate Upton, The Other Woman Set
After all the drama, who wouldn't be rooting for Kate?