What, you really thought a major heart operation was going to slow down Barbara Walters? The View co-host and broadcasting icon — who had surgery to replace a faulty valve in May — continues to have a schedule to rival that of a high school senior. On December 9, she'll host two specials: Oprah, The Next Chapter (ABC, 9 PM), followed by The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2010. Walters, 81, breaks down the power players with UsMagazine.com.
The cast of Jersey Shore: I don't tune into a lot of reality shows. So I did have to watch a few episodes when I knew I was doing this. I wouldn't tune in every week but ummm… they are likeable. We put cameras on them when I wasn't there and asked them what they thought of me. And all of them sat very seriously and discussed what they were going to do with the rest of their lives. This one is bronzing, this one's got a slipper thing, Mike ["The Situation" Sorrentino] has a workout video and his own vodka. They are going to have huge careers.
Sarah Palin: This is our third year with her. She has a brand new book, a successful documentary and was very active in the tea party this year. I interviewed her about three weeks ago and the next day she was leaving to go out to California to be with Bristol and cheer her on for Dancing With the Stars. She does talk about Levi Johnston but didn't talk about the engagement because it's not a two-hour interview.
Jennifer Lopez: She came out wearing these little short, satin pants, looking adorable. We haven't heard much from her in past few years because she's been home taking care of the twins. But we're going to hear a lot more from her next year because of American Idol.
Betty White: She's almost 89 years old and more popular than ever! She was everywhere this year.
Sandra Bullock: I interviewed her for my Oscar special earlier this year. But a lot has happened since! For one thing, at the time, I never realized she was in the middle of adopting a baby. Then, of course, two weeks later, the whole marriage fell apart. Talk about blind side. We asked to do the interview again to update it but she really didn't want to talk about it. Do I wish she had done it? Yeah. But we had enough material.
Justin Bieber: I could be accused of being a dirty old woman because I thought he was adorable. His mother was at the interview, who looks about 12 years old, and his grandparents. He's very talented. He taught himself to play drums, guitar and piano and he played them all for us. And he taught me some dance I could never possibly do. I asked him about dating and he said 'I like older women." This is a very smooth kid — and he's only just beginning to shave.
Kate Middleton: One would think we'd include her, right? A few years ago, we made Camilla Parker-Bowles the most fascinating person because I thought, "She's waited all these years…" I could do the same profile and just change the name.
By Mara Reinstein for UsMagazine.com.
