Jackson kids among "most fascinating" of 2009

La Toya Jackson (L) stands onstage with the children of Michael Jackson, Paris Jackson (2nd L), Prince Michael Jackson I (R) and Prince Michael Jackson II (aka Blanket) during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles July 7, 2009.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Michael Jackson's three children, reality TV mom of eight Kate Gosselin and former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin were picked Wednesday as some of the most fascinating people of 2009 -- according to Barbara Walters.

The ABC TV journalist will also spotlight shock-happy pop stars Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert, right-wing TV pundit Glenn Beck, filmmaker Tyler Perry, NFL quarterback Brett Favre and spurned South Carolina governor's wife Jenny Sanford in her "The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009" television special next week.

The annual show will include a profile of Jackson's children Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7, who is also known as Blanket.

It was not immediately clear whether the Jackson children, who were kept strictly shielded from the media before their father's death in June, will be interviewed for the show.

The 10th person on the list is being kept secret until the special airs on ABC on Dec 9. Last year that slot was filled by President Barack Obama.

(Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)