The world of academia is abuzz over one university's decision to pay a big fee for a reality TV celebrity over a renowned author to headline their 2011 graduation. Celebrity commencement speeches have become commonplace. The fad can be traced to the infamous "sunscreen speech." Check out the most interesting commencements in academic history.

 

Jennifer Lopez :American Idol judge

On Thursday night’s "American Idol," judge Jennifer Lopez debuted her new music video, "On the Floor." In the video for the thumping dance track, Ms. Lopez is dressed to kill in a shimmery jumpsuit.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez, center left, and husband Marc Anthony, right, speak with Puerto Rico's governor Luis Fortuno, second from right, as they arrive for a ceremony

Musical artist and actress Jennifer Lopez

Musical artist and actress Jennifer Lopez greets people as she arrive to participate in a ceremony marking the signing of filmmaking incentive legislation

American Idol

'American Idol' judge Jennifer Lopez, left, and music producer/songwriter RedOne pose together at the 'American Idol' Finalists Party in Los Angeles, Thursday

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez poses with creator of the show Simon Fuller at the party for the finalists of the television show "American Idol

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez poses at the party for the finalists of the television show "American Idol" in Los Angeles March 3, 2011

Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony

Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony pose on arrival at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California February 13, 2011.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez arrives at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California February 13, 2011.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony arrive at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California February 13, 2011.
Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony pose on arrival at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California February 13, 2011.

American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez, left, speaks as her husband Marc Anthony looks on during a signing ceremony for filmmaking incentive legislation for the U.S. island territory

A lock of Justin Bieber's freshly trimmed hair has sold for a whopping US$40,668 in an eBay auction.

Justin sent Beliebers into hysteria last month when he announced plans to auction a slice of his signature Bieber-bowl.

After trimming his world-famous locks last week, Justin surprised talk show host Ellen DeGeneres with her very own piece in a signed box, which she promptly put up for auction on eBay.

The precious lock received bids of US$10,000 within one hour, with the winning bidder yesterday offering US$40,668 for the hair plus their chance to meet the 17-year-old superstar!

Ellen donated the winning bid to animal charity, the Gentle Barn Foundation.

The new owner of Justin's locks is yet to be revealed, but no doubt there's one less lonely girl in the world.