OJ to Trump: 'Hire Me!'

Simpson gets thumbs down for Celebrity Apprentice

(NEWSER) - Donald Trump won't have the chance to hire—or fire—OJ Simpson on the upcoming season of Celebrity Apprentice, E! Online reports. The ex-footballer, awaiting trial on kidnap and robbery charges, had approached Trump about a spot in the show, but he never got to the 10-yard line, said an NBC rep. Trump was big on the idea "for a few minutes"—but the studio wouldn't consider it. More»

'Celebrity Apprentice' host gives some advice to Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza

(NEWSER) - Last night on Celebrity Apprentice, Donald Trump made it clear that his thoughts on love are ... pretty much what you'd expect. The host asked Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, one of the celebrity competitors, if she has "lots of boyfriends." Upon hearing that she has just one, the Donald wanted to know if the man in question is rich. And, upon hearing that he is not, Trump had just one thing to say: "He's got no chance with you." Mendoza argued that her boyfriend is "rich in his heart," but Trump insisted, "He’s got no chance with you, I guarantee it. Does he have an airplane? No. He’s finished." Hat tip to Mediaite for the find. More»

And it includes ... Teresa Giudice?

(NEWSER) - This season's Celebrity Apprentice cast is the smartest ever, according to an executive producer—but that might not really be saying much, considering members include bankrupt Real Housewife Teresa Giudice and mob-daughter-turned-reality-star Victoria Gotti. Even so, "We've never seen such a smart and funny group as this year's lineup of celebrities," Mark Burnett says of the season that starts Feb. 12. More»

...John Rich, in Donald Trump's toughest ruling yet

(AP) - Spoiler alert! Country singer John Rich went all the way on The Celebrity Apprentice, claiming victory and $250,000 for charity. He was up against actress Marlee Matlin during last night's finale of the NBC reality show. This season of Celebrity Apprentice began in March with 16 contestants, each competing in business-oriented tasks around Manhattan to raise money for and publicize their favorite causes. The final challenge called for competing promotional campaigns for a brand of soda. Host Donald Trump said it was his toughest Apprentice ruling yet. More»

Confrontation is good, media might not be so good

(NEWSER) - Donald Trump is taking his toys (and his hair) out of the 2012 sandbox and going home to run Celebrity Apprentice, and that has the blogosphere predictably buzzing. A sample of reactions to the Donald's departure:

• Chris Cillizza, the Washington Post: While "Trump’s Icarus-like rise and fall in the 2012 presidential race is likely to wind up as no more than a footnote in the story of this election ..." The most important takeaway is that "Confrontation is good. Confrontation works."