Something I have come to anticipate with great impatience this year is the Cover Model of the Year Contest. Last year we introduced a new voting process to let our readers and contributors elect the next Cover Model of the Year. It was a truly remarkable experience to witness such a high level of support for those artists from their peers, fans, friends, and family. This year, we have decided to make the voting process a permanent element of selecting all of our future Cover Models of the Year.

Each cover model published between December 2024 through November 2025 is automatically nominated. This year our voting process will take place in two parts. December 1st will mark the first round of voting. Voting for this first round will end on December 8th. The cover models with the most votes will move on to the finals. Voting for the finals will begin on December 12th and end on December 21st.

We will announce the winner of Cover Model of the Year 2026, along with the first and second runners up, on January 1st, 2026. The top three finalists will receive a cash prize. Cover Model of the Year 2026 will receive an exclusive front cover feature with interview along with a free print copy of that issue, a 2026 Diamond Facet Magazine Calendar, one year free subscription to the Diamond Showcase, a Diamond Facet Magazine swag bag, tiara and sash. Good luck to all of our talented cover models!