Jamie Anderson, Shawn Johnson, Brandi Glanville, Leeza Gibbons, Vivica A Fox, Kate Gosselin, Kenya Moore -- (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC)
(Spoiler alert: Do not read on if you have not yet seen Monday’s episode, titled “A Family Affair” and don’t want to be spoiled.)
The third installment of back-to-back episodes on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” sent two athletic contestants packing.
Continuing the 14th overall season of the series — and 7th under the “Celebrity” banner — the men and women were tasked with creating a four-page health/fitness spread for Cosmopolitan magazine. Judges graded the teams on originality, creativity and overall presentation.
“Assigning this particular crew to do an exercise spread catering to 18-34 year old [women] was like assigning a pack of apes to do a garden party,” said Geraldo Rivera, who served again as project manager for the men’s Team Vortex.
Despite their caution, the men won over the judges with their selfie-centric idea. Olympic snowboarder Jamie Anderson, “Real Housewives” star Kenya Moore and “Kate Plus 8” star Kate Gosselin headed to the boardroom. Trump let Anderson go after she toggled back and forth about putting “Housewives” star Brandi Glanville up for elimination instead.
“The mountains are calling, and I gotta go to them,” Anderson said before leaving.
For the next challenge, Trump played the swap game. Actress Vivica A. Fox, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and Kate joined Team Vortex while MLB outfielder Johnny Damon, Owens and “Beverly Hills, 90210” actor Ian Ziering went to the women’s Team Infinity.
The teams were tasked with raising the most money for charity by selling wedding dresses. Geraldo and Ian’s macho personalities came to a head as they signed on to be project managers. The teams collectively raised close to $600,000 for charity.
At challenge’s end, Rivera edged out the other with a narrow win – by $2,500. Ziering, Damon and Owens faced Trump in the board room.
“You know how much I like you. And I gained great, great respect for you, and you’ve really done a good job. You’ve helped yourself immeasurably,” Trump told Owens before leaving.
But, Owens took the firing in stride and handled it with poise.
“I didn’t lose, bro,” Owens told Ziering before leaving. “I learned in this situation.”
Omarosa vs. Piers Morgan The woman America loved to hate, “Apprentice” alum Omarosa Manigualt, went toe-to-toe with journalist/host Piers Morgan on the spin-off's first season. On one episode, Omarosa welcomes Morgan to the “war room” by spilling her wine on his head. But Morgan came out on top, winning the season.
Douglas Gorenstein/NBC
The late Joan Rivers vs. Annie Duke and Brande Roderick Don’t mess with the Mother Hen. Ever. Melissa Rivers and her mother, Joan, were both contestants on Season 2. But in “Right Guard, Right Way Out,” Donald Trump fired Melissa over poker player Annie Duke and Playboy playmate Brande Roderick (“Baywatch"). Joan wasted no time slinging insults at the pair after the board meeting. “You are a piece of shit,” Joan says to Duke with a stern finger before calling Roderick a “stupid blonde” all in the same breath.
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Dennis Rodman vs. Clint Black NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman went from “0 to 100” quickly during Season 2. Rodman had enough of Clint Black after the country singer-songwriter won a coin toss for team KOTU to take the second presentation slot. Rodman curses at Black and rips the microphone from him, slamming it on the floor. In the end, Rodman’s erratic behavior, drinking and sudden absences led to his firing.
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Meat Loaf vs. Gary Busey Actor Gary Busey was known for his antics during Season 4, and it infuriated the “I Would Do Anything for Love” singer. At one point, Meat Loaf believes the “Lethal Weapon” actor stole his art supplies. Cue tirade. “You do not want to fuck with me,” Meatloaf yells. And Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath keeps Meat Loaf from lunging at the actor.
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NeNe Leakes vs. Star Jones This verbal showdown happened between "Real Housewives" star Nene Leakes and former "The View" co-host Star Jones on Season 4. After Jones suggested Leakes as project manager for a task, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star called out the shadiness. “Who the fuck died and made you in charge of project managers?” Leakes asked. “Who are you? Who are you? I will take you down.”
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Arsenio Hall vs. Aubrey O' Day Arsenio Hall made former Danity Kane member Aubrey O’ Day cry on Season 5 when the talk show host couldn’t hold back his agitation with the singer's ego. “She won’t remember, because if it’s not her idea, she won’t remember it. I’m not saying anything that’s not true,” Hall asserted.
O’ Day tried to refute Hall’s claim, even stating she had lost respect for him. “Because I have to kiss your ass for you to admire me,” Hall said, much to the shock of Trump.
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Gary Busey vs. Gary Busey
The Oscar-nominated actor was never short on words or phrases during his stint on Season 4 and the “All Star” edition. He even had his own definition of “fun”: finally understanding nothing. On one episode, Busey takes the time to explain who he really is. “I’m an angel in an Earth suit,” he said while pointing to himself. No argument here.
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Have a look at some outrageous tirades and laughable moments from Donald Trump’s NBC competition series
Omarosa vs. Piers Morgan The woman America loved to hate, “Apprentice” alum Omarosa Manigualt, went toe-to-toe with journalist/host Piers Morgan on the spin-off's first season. On one episode, Omarosa welcomes Morgan to the “war room” by spilling her wine on his head. But Morgan came out on top, winning the season.