Like it or not, Sarah Palin has managed to stay culturally relevant long after her failed 2008 vice presidential run. So relevant, in fact, that Barbara Walters has chosen Palin, along with celebrities like Justin Bieber, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lopez as her Most Fascinating People of 2010.

Also on the list are LeBron James, Kate Middleton, Betty White and the cast of 'Jersey Shore.' An eclectic mix, but certainly a group of people who have dominated headlines throughout the year. The final two slots on the list will be revealed when the TV special airs on Dec. 9.

Middleton is perhaps the timeliest selection, with her engagement to Prince William announced only last week, while others have been yearlong fascinations. Bieber fever seems to have reached epidemic proportions in 2010, and Bullock's movie career took a turn for the better while her personal life took a turn for the worse. Plus, you'd be hard-pressed to remember a life before 'Jersey Shore.' The show only debuted last December -- though it seems a lifetime ago. Maybe Walters can finally explain to us why, exactly, we find that show so mesmerizing.

Lopez is the most interesting choice to me -- though she tried and failed for a musical comeback this year, I feel like she won't get her chance in the spotlight again until she takes her place at the judges' table when 'American Idol' debuts in January. James seemed like a ubiquitous presence when he made his infamous Decision, but don't we know all about him already?

It feels like he was thrown in the mix as the token sports story. What about the U.S. soccer team and Landon Donovan? They were a pretty major athletic force this year too, and would've made a far more interesting choice. Then again, Americans really only take a passing interest in soccer once every four years during the World Cup, so going with the basketball player probably makes more sense.

Tell us: What do you think of Walters' choices? Who do you think was the most fascinating person of the year?