What grabs your attention while waiting at the grocery checkout or in the doctor’s office? Awkward magazine covers, of course! These gems are hard to miss, whether it’s a bizarre headline, a strange stock photo, or an epic Photoshop fail. The awkwardness is undeniable, and it’s exactly what makes them so entertaining.
From cringe-worthy combinations of text and image to unintentional hilarity, these covers have a way of sparking laughter when you least expect it. We’ve gathered some of the most hilariously awkward magazine covers that are sure to brighten your day. So, sit back and enjoy these head-scratching, laugh-inducing moments while you wait for your turn at the checkout or in the waiting room.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Photoshop Fail: What Went Wrong?
Before Facetune became an Instagram staple, magazines relied on expert graphic designers to perfect celebrity images with airbrushing and Photoshop. The goal? To create flawless, barely noticeable edits. So, what happened with this particular cover of Sarah Jessica Parker? It looks like someone handed the job over to an amateur! The heavy-handed editing is impossible to miss, leaving her looking more like a cartoon than the stylish star we know.
This cover became the unfortunate victim of bad Photoshop, and fans were quick to point it out. It’s a reminder that even in the world of glitz and glamour, awkward mistakes happen — and sometimes they’re hilariously hard to ignore.
5SOS and Their Rolling Stone Controversy: A Cover to Forget
Australian rock band 5 Seconds of Summer skyrocketed to fame after One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson discovered them on YouTube. After touring with 1D, they gained a massive fanbase and quickly became a household name. But at the peak of their success, they were hit with a Rolling Stone cover that left fans cringing. The awkward, scandalous photo paired with an article portraying the band as womanizers was a tough pill for many to swallow.
For longtime fans, this cover brings back uncomfortable memories. The controversy caused a stir, but it’s safe to say that both the photo and the story weren’t the best moments in 5SOS’s rise to fame.
Why Commas Matter: A Hilarious Headline Fail
“Rachael Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.” Wait, what?! This unfortunate headline is a prime example of why proper punctuation is essential. Without the right commas, it sounds like Rachael Ray is cooking up something far more sinister than a meal! Just a couple of commas would clear up that confusion, saving her from an awkward—and alarming—misunderstanding. It’s a funny reminder of how important those tiny punctuation marks really are.
This is also why we love the Oxford comma! More commas make everything clearer, and in this case, they could have spared Rachael Ray from this bizarre culinary mishap. Lesson learned: always double-check your commas!
The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Holmes: From Visionary to Fraud
You might have watched The Dropout, the gripping tale of Elizabeth Holmes and her infamous biotech company, Theranos. Once hailed as “the next Steve Jobs,” Holmes was praised by the media for her groundbreaking work and business success. But her empire crumbled when the truth came out—her revolutionary blood-testing technology was a sham. After years of deceit, Holmes was eventually convicted of wire fraud. Magazine covers like this one, which once celebrated her achievements, now stand as a stark reminder of her meteoric rise and catastrophic fall.
It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of fooling the world.
Seventeen’s Body Positivity Blunder: A Photoshop Fail
Fans were quick to call out the awkwardness of this Seventeen cover featuring Meghan Trainor. Known for her empowering songs about self-love and body acceptance, Meghan seemed like the perfect fit for the magazine’s teen girl audience. But when the cover dropped, fans were disappointed. It was clear that Meghan’s body had been heavily Photoshopped, completely contradicting the message of self-love she promotes in her music.
The cover boldly declared “Love your body,” yet the glaring alterations told a different story. For many readers, it felt like a missed opportunity for real body positivity, leaving a sour taste for Meghan’s supporters and Seventeen readers alike.
One of Runner’s World’s Most Cringe-Worthy Covers
Runner’s World has had its fair share of awkward moments, so much so that in 2016, they published an article highlighting their 13 most cringe-worthy covers. While many were memorable, this one might take the cake. Known for showcasing athletes in intense stretching poses, the magazine often makes its cover models look uncomfortably contorted. Combine that with retro ’80s and ’90s workout gear, and you’ve got a recipe for some serious awkwardness.
Though these covers aim to inspire fitness, they sometimes leave readers scratching their heads. It’s a nostalgic trip to fitness fashion faux pas and odd poses that Runner’s World fans won’t soon forget.
Is Your Baby Racist? Newsweek’s Eye-Catching Headline
Newsweek has a knack for delivering some of the most puzzling magazine covers, and this one is no exception. A picture of a baby on the cover isn’t unusual, but the headline—“Is Your Baby Racist?”—certainly raised a few eyebrows. While discussing the root causes of discrimination is crucial, this approach feels oddly provocative. The jarring phrasing makes the topic feel more unsettling than informative, leaving readers confused rather than enlightened. Still, it probably succeeded in grabbing attention, making people curious enough to pick up a copy.
Whether you found it awkward or thought-provoking, there’s no denying Newsweek knows how to get people talking.
Zayn’s Awkward Photoshop Return to One Direction
Keeping up with boyband drama is no small feat, and One Direction fans know this all too well. When Zayn Malik made the shocking decision to leave the band, it left fans devastated. Soon after, the entire band announced a hiatus, breaking hearts even more. Desperate for a reunion, Tiger Beat featured a cover begging for the boys to get back together. But there was one problem—Zayn wasn’t interested in reuniting for a photoshoot.
Instead of accepting his absence, the magazine opted for a hilariously awkward solution: Photoshopping Zayn into the background. The result? A poorly edited reunion cover that left fans cringing and laughing at the same time.
Cover Baby: Newsweek’s Confusing Mashup
Magazines like Newsweek often juggle a wide array of topics—health, culture, politics, and more. While this usually isn’t an issue, sometimes the covers can get a little… confusing. Take this one, for example: a smiling baby’s face sits awkwardly next to a headline about Obama, while another blurb teases Melinda Gates and her “birth control bombshell.”
The mix of lighthearted and serious stories makes for a strange combination, and the lead story feels a bit over-the-top. It’s a puzzling layout that seems to do more harm than good when it comes to promoting such diverse topics. There’s got to be a better way to highlight these stories without leaving readers scratching their heads.
Jennifer Aniston’s Awkward Interview Cover: A Missed Opportunity
Interview magazine is known for celebrating creativity and artistry, often featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment. So, when they teamed up with Jennifer Aniston in 2020, it seemed like a perfect match. However, the result wasn’t her best moment—through no fault of her own. The cover photo has her posed in an awkward position, making her look uncomfortable, and the heavy-handed editing only adds to the odd vibe.
For someone as accomplished as Aniston, the cover felt like a missed opportunity to showcase her true talent and style. Fans were left puzzled, as this certainly didn’t capture the vibrant energy she’s known for onscreen.
Betty White’s Almost 100: A Bittersweet Farewell
Rest in peace, Betty White! When she passed, the world mourned the loss of an icon. As her 100th birthday drew near, fans were rooting for her to hit that milestone, with celebrations already in the works. People magazine even released a special interview where Betty discussed her life and her excitement for the big day.
Tragically, just days before her 100th birthday, Betty passed away, turning the joyful anticipation into heartbreak. Now, that issue of People serves as a bittersweet and awkward reminder of the celebration that never came. Though she didn’t reach 100, Betty’s legacy lives on, and she’ll forever be remembered for the joy she brought to millions.
Priyanka’s Photoshop Fail: The Case of the Missing Armpits
No one can deny that Priyanka Chopra is one of the most stunning actresses around, so it wasn’t surprising when Maxim, a men’s magazine, featured her on their cover. What was shocking, however, was the strange decision to Photoshop out her armpits entirely! The awkward editing made her look unnatural, and fans were quick to notice. While the cover aimed to appeal to the male gaze, the unnecessary alteration felt bizarre and frustrating.
But Priyanka handled it like a pro, playfully posting a picture of her real armpits on Twitter, calling it a “pit-stopping” moment. Her humor and grace turned an awkward situation into a memorable one.
Prince William’s Awkward Hello! Photoshoot: A Royal Miss
Since 1988, Hello! magazine has been a staple in the UK, known for its coverage of royalty and high society. Over the years, the magazine has gained global recognition, but its focus remains on British royalty. One such cover featuring Prince William, however, missed the mark. Touted as an “historic photoshoot,” Hello! promised a memorable moment, but not quite for the right reasons.
The photoshoot, while significant, left Prince William looking uncomfortably posed and awkward, far from the poised royal image we’re used to. Though the magazine aimed for grandeur, this one will be remembered more for its cringe-worthy execution than its historic significance.
Stephen Colbert’s Strange GQ Cover: Who’s Your Daddy?
In this particularly odd GQ cover, Stephen Colbert takes on the role of America’s self-appointed “daddy,” but the result is more uncomfortable than patriotic. Colbert is seen holding a miniature version of himself, both making awkward facial expressions, with the mini-me staring up at him. The headline reads, “Who’s your daddy now, America?”—but we’re pretty sure it’s still not Stephen Colbert.
The whole cover has an unsettling vibe, as if trying to mix humor with something grander but missing the mark. Perhaps it’s time to leave the Founding Fathers in charge, because this cover leaves us more confused than inspired.
Virtual Reality Awkwardness: Time’s Take on the Future
As Facebook introduces the “metaverse” and video games aim for full immersion, Time magazine tackled the cultural shift of virtual reality early on. Known for exploring big societal changes, this particular edition focused on the potential impact of VR on our future.
But looking back, the cover feels a bit awkward. Years later, we still have a long way to go in making virtual reality as realistic and widespread as predicted. Plus, the photo itself doesn’t help—the boy’s pose is uncomfortable and odd, making the cover look more like a clunky attempt at predicting the future than an inspiring vision of what’s to come.
Male Pregnancy on Filmfare: A Cover Gone Awkward
Filmfare is a major player in India’s entertainment scene, known for its pop culture coverage and massive following. But this particular cover took an unexpected—and awkward—turn by featuring a cisgender male pregnancy. Before Photoshop perfected the art of editing, covers like this were done manually, using props and creative angles. Unfortunately, in this case, the execution missed the mark.
The “pregnant” man doesn’t even convincingly look pregnant, leaving the entire concept feeling more clunky than clever. What was likely intended to be a bold, attention-grabbing moment ended up as a confusing and poorly done attempt, making this one of Filmfare‘s more cringeworthy covers.
Bloomberg’s Accidental Innuendo: A Cover Misfire
Someone at Bloomberg Businessweek either had a good laugh or missed a major red flag with this cover. Known as a serious and respected publication, Businessweek rarely veers into silly territory. But this cover? It’s a bit hard to ignore. Featuring a man with an arrow shape pointing outward, the image quickly raises eyebrows, especially when paired with labels like “perception” and “reality.” The unfortunate innuendo is unmistakable, and it’s hard to believe it was completely overlooked in the design process.
Whether intentional or not, it probably led to some awkward office conversations after it hit the stands. For a periodical as esteemed as Bloomberg, this one feels like an uncharacteristic—and cringeworthy—misstep.
Rolling Stone’s Historical Blunder: A Veep-Inspired Oops
Rolling Stone is known for its prestige and attention to detail, so you’d expect them to avoid major mistakes before going to print. But when they featured Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the cover, playing off her role as the Vice President in Veep, they made a significant historical slip-up. For the cover, they added a fake tattoo of the U.S. Constitution on her back—so far, so good. But sharp-eyed history buffs quickly pointed out a glaring issue: John Hancock’s signature was included near her butt.
The problem? Hancock didn’t sign the Constitution; his famous signature is from the Declaration of Independence. This historical mix-up became the real headline, turning what should’ve been a clever shoot into a lesson in double-checking facts!
Meghan and Harry’s Time Cover: A Symbolic Stir
Time is no stranger to controversy, and their cover featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was no exception. Released during the global conversation surrounding the couple’s decision to split from the royal family, the cover sparked debate about the relevance of royalty in today’s world. Critics, particularly royal loyalists, claimed the image made Harry appear weak, as he stood behind Meghan, who posed confidently with her legs slightly apart.
Beyond the symbolic power dynamics, the heavy airbrushing was hard to ignore—especially on Meghan. The overly polished look left many wondering if Time had gone too far with its edits, making what could have been a powerful image feel awkward and artificial.
Carrie Underwood’s Vanishing Wrist: InStyle’s Photoshop Fail
At first glance, this InStyle cover featuring Carrie Underwood seems fairly typical—heavily edited, but nothing too shocking. But take a closer look, and you’ll notice a glaring mistake that’s impossible to unsee: Carrie is missing her wrist! Somehow, in the editing process, her wrist simply vanished, leaving her arm in an unnatural and physically impossible position.
It’s hard to figure out how such an error made it to print, but it’s clear that something went wrong in the Photoshop department. While Carrie still looks gorgeous, this awkward detail makes the cover more memorable for its editing blunder than for its style.
Taylor Swift’s Airbrushed Mishap: Oops! Magazine’s Creepy Cover
Oops! Magazine certainly lived up to its name with this Taylor Swift cover. Known for her natural beauty and prominence in the music world, Taylor is instantly recognizable, especially to her devoted fans. But on this cover, they took airbrushing to a whole new—and unsettling—level. Taylor’s face is so over-edited that she barely looks human, with impossibly smooth skin and eerily piercing eyes. It’s as if they erased all her pores and personality in one fell swoop.
While editing is common in magazines, this creepy Photoshop job left fans feeling awkward rather than excited. Taylor Swift deserves better than this digital distortion!
Time’s “Are You Mom Enough?” Cover: Sparking a Controversy
Time magazine has a knack for stirring up debate, and their “Are You Mom Enough?” cover was no exception. Featuring a bold image of a woman breastfeeding her son, it ignited multiple conversations across the globe. The first controversy was about the appropriateness of the photo itself, with many questioning whether such an image belonged on the cover of a reputable magazine like Time. This, in turn, led to discussions on why breastfeeding should be seen as inappropriate at all.
From there, the debate spiraled into more questions, including, “Is this child too old to be breastfeeding?” The cover’s aim was to highlight attachment parenting, but it became much more, triggering an emotional and wide-reaching conversation. Time certainly knows how to use an awkward moment to fuel discussion.
Richard Simmons’ Doll Obsession: An Unsettling Cover
In one of the most bizarre magazine cover collaborations ever, Richard Simmons graced the front of Doll Reader in 1998. While Richard didn’t exactly do anything wrong, the overall vibe of the shoot was undeniably awkward. His intense, almost eerie stare paired with the dolls made for an unsettling image that left readers feeling uncomfortable. The cover seems to suggest something far stranger than what might have been intended.
Despite the weirdness, we’re sure the article itself about his personal doll collection is completely innocent and not nearly as strange as the cover suggests. But, unfortunately, it’s hard to shake that creepy first impression!
Der Spiegel’s Queen Cover: A Lost-in-Translation Blunder
Der Spiegel, one of Germany’s most popular magazines, found itself in an awkward situation with a cover story on Queen Elizabeth II. While the intention was to highlight a biographic piece on the monarch, the cover caused quite a stir. The headline read “Die Queen,” which in German simply means “The Queen.” However, English-speaking readers were startled, interpreting it as a death threat to the beloved monarch. To make matters worse, “Queen” in German is actually “Königin,” meaning the magazine could have avoided the confusion by sticking to one language.
What was meant to be a respectful tribute became a lost-in-translation blunder that drew more attention than the story itself!
Pharrell’s Headdress Controversy: No One Was “Happy”
In 2014, Pharrell Williams, famous for his hit song “Happy,” found himself in hot water after appearing on the cover of Elle UK wearing a traditional Native American headdress. This act of cultural appropriation didn’t sit well with many, sparking widespread backlash. Critics pointed out that the headdress is a sacred symbol in many Native cultures, not a fashion accessory.
Pharrell quickly issued a public apology, stating: “I respect and honor every kind of race, background and culture. I am genuinely sorry.” Despite his apology, the cover remains a reminder of the ongoing conversation around cultural sensitivity and the importance of understanding symbols from other cultures.
“Vote Wimp?”: Newsweek’s Controversial Take on Mitt Romney
During the 2012 presidential election, Newsweek made waves with a provocative cover labeling Republican nominee Mitt Romney a “wimp.” The magazine questioned whether Romney, dodging the press and withholding his tax returns, was too insecure to lead the country. In their own words: “Is Mitt Romney a wimp? That’s our cover this week… is he too insecure to be president?” The cover drew attention and sparked debate, but Romney himself brushed it off.
He referenced a similar claim against George H.W. Bush, who he considered “anything but” a wimp. Romney also added that he didn’t recall ever being called a wimp before, handling the criticism with a shrug. Despite the jab, the cover remains a memorable moment in campaign history.
Who Wears Short Shorts? Newsweek’s Controversial Sarah Palin Cover
In 2009, Newsweek sparked controversy with a cover story on former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, featuring a photo of her in bike shorts. The image, taken from a previous fitness photoshoot for Runner’s World, was intended to promote health and fitness. However, Palin took issue with how Newsweek used the photo out of context. In a Facebook post, she called out the magazine, writing: “The Runner’s World magazine one-page profile… was all about health and fitness…
The out-of-context Newsweek approach is sexist and oh-so-expected by now.” Palin emphasized the importance of not judging by appearance, adding that this cover highlighted the ongoing issue of sexism in the media.
Time’s Controversial OJ Simpson Cover: A Dark Mistake
During the height of the O.J. Simpson trial, both Newsweek and Time magazines ran cover stories featuring Simpson’s mugshot. While Newsweek used the original image, Time controversially darkened Simpson’s skin, making him appear unshaven and blurrier. This editorial choice quickly drew accusations of racism, as it seemed to intentionally portray Simpson in a more menacing light.
The backlash was swift, and Time was forced to pull the issue from newsstands. They later reissued the magazine with an unaltered photo of Simpson on the cover. The incident remains a striking example of how media representation can influence public perception and the importance of responsible editorial decisions.
Newsweek’s “Queen of Rage” Cover: A Controversial Portrayal of Michele Bachmann
In the lead-up to the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election, Newsweek found itself at the center of another controversy, this time over its portrayal of Republican nominee Michele Bachmann. The cover featured an unflattering image of Bachmann alongside the provocative headline: “Queen of Rage: Michele Bachmann on God, the Tea Party, and the Evils of Government.”
Many critics argued that the photo choice and headline were deliberately sensationalized, painting Bachmann in a negative light. Supporters accused Newsweek of bias and sexism, claiming the cover was designed to undermine her credibility. The backlash highlighted the fine line between editorial freedom and responsible representation, as the cover sparked debate about media treatment of female politicians.
LeBron James’ Controversial Vogue Cover: When a Pose Misses the Mark
In 2008, NBA superstar LeBron James made history as the first Black man to appear on the cover of Vogue. However, what should have been a groundbreaking moment quickly turned controversial. The cover featured James posed with supermodel Gisele Bundchen, but many critics argued that the image played into harmful racial stereotypes. LeBron, shown snarling and looking intense, was compared to depictions of King Kong, with Gisele appearing carefree and elegant.
As Jemele Hill noted on NPR, the image resembled old, problematic King Kong posters that portrayed Black men in an animalistic light. The controversy raised important discussions about racial representation in the media and how even celebratory moments can be tainted by unfortunate imagery.
Ellen’s Groundbreaking Time Cover: A Historic Moment in LGBTQ+ Representation
In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres made history with one of Time magazine’s most iconic covers. At the height of her career, starring in her popular ABC sitcom, Ellen publicly came out as gay in an interview with the magazine. The cover, featuring the headline “Yep, I’m Gay,” was a revolutionary moment for LGBTQ+ representation in U.S. culture, signaling a significant shift in mainstream acceptance. The issue has since been celebrated as a watershed moment for visibility and inclusion. Reflecting on the cover in 2022, Ellen humorously tweeted: “I remember coming out as gay on the cover of @TIME magazine 25 years ago today.
I don’t, however, remember saying ‘Yep.’” This lighthearted reflection added charm to an already historic milestone.
It’s All in the Color: Elle’s Controversial Mindy Kaling Cover
In February 2014, Elle magazine found itself in hot water over its cover featuring actress and comedian Mindy Kaling. Unlike white actresses such as Amy Poehler and Zooey Deschanel, who appeared in full-color, full-body shots for their covers, Kaling was photographed in black-and-white, with only a close-up of her face. Critics accused the magazine of a double standard, suggesting the choice reflected racial bias.
However, Kaling herself had a different take. She addressed the controversy, saying, “I was for the first time on the cover of a fashion magazine, which is such an awesome, nice thing… I thought I look so beautiful. I thought, ‘Wow, I’ve never looked better.’” Her positive response highlighted a contrast to the public outrage, but the incident sparked important conversations about representation and equality in media.
Too Much Overcoat? Elle‘s 2013 Melissa McCarthy Cover Controversy
In 2013, Elle magazine faced criticism for featuring actress Melissa McCarthy on their cover in an oversized overcoat. Many perceived the wardrobe choice as an attempt to conceal her “plus-sized” figure, sparking accusations of body shaming. Critics questioned why McCarthy, a celebrated actress, wasn’t given the same fashion-forward treatment as thinner stars.
Elle quickly responded, stating, “On all of our shoots, our stylists work with the stars to choose pieces they feel good in, and this is no different: Melissa loved this look, and is gorgeous on our cover.” While Elle defended their choices, the incident raised ongoing debates about how the fashion industry represents body diversity and whether enough effort is made to showcase all women equally.
Retouched Too Much? Lena Dunham’s Vogue Cover Sparks Controversy
When Lena Dunham appeared on the cover of Vogue in February 2014, it ignited controversy over claims of excessive retouching. Critics argued that the photoshopping distorted Dunham’s natural appearance, with one website even offering a $10,000 reward for untouched images from the shoot. Despite the outcry, Dunham defended the cover, stating, “Vogue isn’t the place that we go to look at realistic women.
Vogue is the place that we go to look at beautiful clothes and fancy places and escapism… I feel like if the story reflects me.” Her response emphasized that Vogue is more about fashion fantasy than raw reality, but the debate brought attention to ongoing concerns about media portrayals of women’s bodies and beauty standards.
A Single Hair Out of Place: Britney Spears’ 2012 Lucky Cover Controversy
When Britney Spears graced the cover of Lucky magazine in 2012, fans were quick to voice their disappointment. The overuse of Photoshop was glaring, particularly in how Spears’ hair appeared more like an awkward wig than her natural locks. The images didn’t capture the pop icon’s true beauty, and fans felt let down by the overly retouched cover. In response, Lucky magazine issued a statement: “Thank you all for sharing your thoughts on our cover!
As always, we will share with our team and we’re sorry to have let some of you down.” Despite the apology, the incident remains a reminder of the fine line between enhancing images and losing authenticity.
Where’d the Scar Go? Tina Fey’s 2010 Vogue Cover Controversy
In 2010, Vogue magazine featured 30 Rock star and comedy icon Tina Fey on its cover, but something was noticeably missing—her signature cheek scar, the result of a childhood attack. Fans and readers were puzzled by the decision to Photoshop away the scar, especially since Fey had been on television for over a decade, where her scar was always visible. By that point, her scar had become part of her well-known image, making its erasure seem unnecessary and out of place.
The decision to digitally alter her appearance sparked confusion and criticism, highlighting the ongoing conversation around authenticity and the use of Photoshop in media.
Someone Like… Adele? Vogue’s 2012 Cover Sparks Photoshop Backlash
In March 2012, fans were outraged when Adele appeared on the cover of Vogue looking noticeably slimmer than she was in real life at the time. The heavy-handed retouching ignited debates about body image and media responsibility. Anne Becker, a media and body image expert at Harvard Medical School, weighed in on the controversy, telling CBS News, “It forces the conversation between parents and kids about what images are real, what are realistic, what are attainable…
What is concerning about images that are altered is that it sets unrealistic expectations for girls and young women.” The incident highlighted the growing frustration with unrealistic beauty standards and the dangers of promoting unattainable ideals, especially for impressionable audiences.
That’s Just a Bad Idea: The Sunday Times’ Controversial Diana-Rihanna Cover
In a puzzling editorial choice, The Sunday Times released a cover that merged the faces of Princess Diana and Rihanna. The magazine attempted to justify the strange blend by stating, “Rihanna is in love with the camera, and the camera is in love with her.” However, this explanation didn’t sit well with royal watchers and admirers of the late Princess Diana, who remains a beloved figure.
Many felt that the cover was disrespectful to Diana’s legacy, and the awkward juxtaposition of two iconic but very different women left readers questioning why such an idea was ever greenlit. It’s a cover that, in hindsight, seemed destined to spark backlash from the start.
Putting the Jon in Bon Jovi: Rolling Stone’s 1987 Cover Controversy
In 1987, Bon Jovi was at the peak of their success, with their Slippery When Wet album dominating the charts and a sold-out tour thrilling fans worldwide. Naturally, a Rolling Stone cover seemed inevitable. However, instead of featuring the entire band, the magazine chose to spotlight only frontman Jon Bon Jovi.
This decision didn’t sit well with the rest of the band, as tensions grew over Jon receiving the bulk of the spotlight. The resentment simmered for years, and by 1991, the band nearly broke up, with the Rolling Stone cover seen as a symbol of the rift. What should have been a moment of triumph for the entire group became a flashpoint for internal struggles over fame and recognition.
Close Shave: KD Lang and Cindy Crawford’s Controversial Vanity Fair Cover
Canadian singer KD Lang became a country music sensation in the late ’80s and early ’90s, before breaking into pop with her 1992 hit “Constant Craving.” However, after coming out as gay in 1993 and voicing her political views, Lang faced backlash. Several U.S. country stations banned her music, and she was even picketed outside the 1993 Grammy Awards, where she won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
The controversy didn’t stop there. Lang stirred more debate with a Vanity Fair cover featuring supermodel Cindy Crawford giving her a traditionally masculine shave. The cover, mixing sensuality and gender norms, challenged societal conventions and raised eyebrows. For many, it was a bold statement, but for others, it only added to the controversy surrounding Lang during that period.
