Journalistic icon and The View co-host Barbara Walters has named Honey Boo Boo as one of her Most Fascinating People of 2012, US Magazine reports. So why did Walters choose the energy drink loving 7-year-old?

"It's a love story," Walters tells Us of the bond between Alana and her mother, June, on TLC's breakout hit. "It's a very sweet, loving story."

"A lot of people will say, 'For heaven's sake, this is ridiculous, this is a child at 5 or 6 years old entering beauty contests,'" she says. "But the relationship between Alana and her mother -- that's the story, the two of them. It's very touching."

Honey Boo Boo can certainly be described as fascinating; just like a so-awful-you-can't-stop-watching Tori Spelling Christmas TV movie is fascinating. READ MORE

Rosie O’Donnell has revealed her love for headline-snatching, TLC reality series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo in a hilarious new chat with People. She even went as far as to compare Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson to legendary child star Shirley Temple!

O'Donnell praises the show's 7-year-old star, Alana Thompson, and compares her to the ultimate child star, Shirley Temple. "She has a presence and an intellect that goes way beyond her years," says O'Donnell. READ MORE