Is this a boo-boo? Honey Boo Boo among Walters 'Fascinating People of 2012'

In 2011, Barbara Walters took flak when she named the Kardashian clan among her "Ten Most Fascinating People of 2011." It was thought -- and, recommended by critics -- that Walters should pick more newsworthy folks for 2012, but it doesn't appear she heeded that advice: on Tuesday, it was revealed that one entrant on the list was Honey Boo Boo.

It's true that more serious entrants such as Hillary Clinton, Chris Christie and Gabby Douglas are on the list, but still: Honey Boo Boo?

Honey Boo Boo, nee Alana Thompson, 7, appears with her family on TLC's "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo." That show is a hit, and a spin-off of the show "Toddlers and Tiaras," about young beauty contest entrants.

Walters defended her choice, saying it was not a boo-boo (pun intended). Speaking of the reality show, she said:

It's a love story [the bond between Alana and her mother, June]. 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," but the relationship between Alana and her mother -- that's the story, the two of them. It's very touching.

[In addition] Honey Boo Boo is not an obnoxious little girl. She's sweet and loving with her mother and loving with her sisters [Jessica, Lauryn and Anna]. And now Anna has a new baby, and the baby has [three] thumbs -- but so what? It'll make you smile.

Still, Honey Boo Boo, fascination?

The full list will be revealed on Barbara Walters' ABC special, which airs on Dec. 12 at 9:30 p.m. EST / PST.