Barbara Walters Picked Edward Snowden As Most Fascinating Person Of The Year: Report

Edward Snowden may have been close to being named something other than one of the most infamous whistle-blowers in United States history.

The NSA leaker was almost recognized as Barbara Walters' most fascinating person of the year, reports the New York Daily News' Confidential. But even though Walters pushed for Snowden to top her annual list of the 10 most captivating people worldwide, a source told Confidential that network officials ruled against her decision.

Snowden remains on the list, though. But he was placed a little further from the journalist's top spot. And due to his wariness about who he allows to interview him -- a role that falls mainly on former Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald -- Snowden opted out of participating in the special. The network instead did a write-up, using past interview clips for the Snowden portion of the piece.

Walters was drawn to highlighting the former NSA contractor since she thought he would possibly be recognized as Time magazine's Person of the Year, says Confidential. Along with Snowden, "Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year” will recognize Jennifer Lawrence, Miley Cyrus, the royal baby Prince George, the “Duck Dynasty” cast, swimmer Diana Nyad, “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts, Pope Francis and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who will be recognized as a couple.