Adam, Sarah and Kate: Three of 2009's Most Fascinating.

Adam, Sarah and Kate: Three of 2009's Most Fascinating.A couple of strong women and (mostly) popular figures, Kate Gosselin and Sarah Palin, lead Barbara Walters' list of the 10 Most Fascinating People of the year.

For better or worse, the reality TV mother of eight and former governor / V.P. nominee are certainly fascinating. You just can't look away from what they do.

Same is true of car wrecks on the other side of the highway, but no matter. Few get people talking like Kate and Sarah - or a certain new big name in music.

Controversial American Idol alum Adam Lambert, whose music and sexually charged performances make him a tabloid staple, is another member of the list.
Singer/rumored hermaphrodite Lady Gaga, annoying NFL star Brett Favre, Tyler Perry, and Fox News personality Glenn Beck made the top 10 of '09 as well.

Perhaps the most intriguing inclusion? Jenny Sanford, the wife of philandering South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, will also be interviewed by Barbara Walters.

The special, Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009, airs on ABC December 9. Who is your most fascinating person of 2009?

The way things are going lately, we'd think Rachel Uchitel and Jaimee Grubbs would be in a dead heat for the #1 spot, with Levi Johnston a close second.