Barbara Walters unveiled her list of the year's 10 most fascinating people Thursday night, and the list includes two major film stars, an athlete, and a broadcaster. Find out who made the list, and see who was named the most fascinating person of 2008! In the 16th edition of her ABC special "Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008," President-elect Barack Obama was named the most fascinating person of the year. Making history as the first African-American elected president, Obama was the obvious choice to top the list. Taking the No. 2 spot was film star Tom Cruise, who opened up about his upcoming movie 'Valkyrie' and the buzz surrounding his big new role. Cruise also talked about wanting more children with wife Katie Holmes, adding that the couple is enjoying every moment with their daughter Suri, and Tom’s children Isabella and Connor. Another familiar face from this year's presidential election made the list at No. 3 -- former GOP Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Walters did not interview Palin for the special, but described the overwhelming fascination Americans had with Palin as a process of being built up and then torn down. Actor Frank Langella came in at No. 4 on the list for his body of work, and especially for his upcoming role playing President Nixon in 'Nixon/Frost,' -- a role Walters says will likely earn him an Academy Award. Thomas Beatie, the headline grabbing "Pregnant Man," was No. 5 on the list. Rounding out the rest of the list were: No. 6 - Rush Limbaugh, conservative radio broadcaster No. 7 - Tina Fey (Fey grabbed headlines this year with her Sarah Palin impersonation on "Saturday Night Live.") No. 8 - Miley Cyrus No. 9 - Michael Phelps No. 10 - Will Smith

[Read full story on The Insider]

Baseball star Alex Rodriguez sets the record straight regarding his rumored romance with legendary performer Madonna, and the Yankees third baseman shares how he really feels about the singer. A-Rod tells People, "We’re friends -- that’s it." Alex also spoke out on reports that he has attended a number of Madonna’s concerts, and that the two stars were moving in together. "I’ve been to two [of her] concerts, yet I’ve read that I went to 20," he says. "I’ve also read that we were buying an apartment together. That is absolutely ridiculous and not true." The eight time All-Star spoke to People while in Mexico City last weekend for a charity baseball clinic for kids. "When you’re among 200 kids and teaching the game of baseball it gives you an amazing feeling," he says. "Just that you may inspire kids to reach their goals, whether it’s baseball or whatever their goals might be." A-Rod and his ex-wife Cynthia divorced in September but Alex tells the mag that they both remain committed to their two children, four-year-old Natasha and seven-month-old Ella. "I have a wonderful relationship with Cynthia," he says. "We try to be the best parents we can." Alex opens up about his feelings toward Madonna and her work for her many charitable organizations. "I have a lot of respect for her," he says. "She’s very connected to making the world a better place. She’s had an amazing career and we’re friends. That’s it."

[Read full story on The Insider]

Hot on the heels of her "Circus" video's "Insider" Online world premiere, Britney Spears took center stage in L.A. Thursday night at a stunning new holiday-season ceremony. Watch Britney light the tree and tell the crowd about her own holiday traditions! "It’s family time,” Britney says. “We usually do the tree thing. The family comes over, it’s fun." Britney shined brightest of all at the first-ever "Light of the Angels" tree lighting ceremony, which was also attended by former "Dancing with the Stars" hopeful Adam Corolla and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Watch the video to see "The Insider"'s footage of the event! The million-light, nightly "Light of the Angels" show features a seven-minute, multi-dimensional light display, centered around a giant 54-foot tall Christmas tree!

[Read full story on The Insider]

After enduring a family tragedy, Jennifer Hudson says she’s heartened by her four Grammy nominations. “It’s been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive four Grammy nominations is truly a blessing,” Jennifer says. “I’m extremely honored and humbled by the nominations.” Jennifer scored noms for Best R&B Album (Jennifer Hudson), Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (“Spotlight”), Best R&B Song (“Spotlight) and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals ("I'm His Only Woman" with Fantasia).

[Read full story on The Insider]

After enduring a family tragedy, Jennifer Hudson says she’s heartened by her four Grammy nominations. “It’s been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive four Grammy nominations is truly a blessing,” Jennifer says. “I’m extremely honored and humbled by the nominations.” Jennifer scored noms for Best R&B Album (Jennifer Hudson), Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (“Spotlight”), Best R&B Song (“Spotlight) and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals ("I'm His Only Woman" with Fantasia).

[Read full story on The Insider]

After enduring a family tragedy, Jennifer Hudson says she’s heartened by her four Grammy nominations. “It’s been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive four Grammy nominations is truly a blessing,” Jennifer says. “I’m extremely honored and humbled by the nominations.” Jennifer scored noms for Best R&B Album (Jennifer Hudson), Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (“Spotlight”), Best R&B Song (“Spotlight) and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals ("I'm His Only Woman" with Fantasia).

[Read full story on The Insider]