Donald Trump Chooses His ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ on Season Finale
Leeza Gibbons and Geraldo Rivera battled it out for the final prize as host Donald Trump announced a Season 15 renewal
Alicia Banks | February 16, 2015 @ 7:43 PM
Last Updated: February 16, 2015 @ 10:23 PM
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(Spoiler alert: Do not read on if you have not yet seen Monday’s “Celebrity Apprentice” finale and don’t want to be spoiled).
And just like that, Leeza Gibbons was hired.
After enduring weeks of drama and nerve-wracking challenges, Leeza was named Season 14 winner of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” on Monday night. “Isn’t this amazing?” Leeza asked, after winning an additional $250,000 for her charity.
The show’s host Donald Trump also announced the reality competition would return for Season 15.
Gibbons closed out the current season with eight wins and three losses against runner-up and Fox News correspondent, Geraldo Rivera. The live finale also revisited favorite moments from the season and paid tribute to former winner and adviser, the late-Joan Rivers.
“I’m a little surprised you made it this far. I never thought you were tough enough,” Trump confessed to Leeza. “You led with kindness, and I don’t meet people like you. You do so well. You really do have tremendous talent and leadership ability.”
Unlike other contestants, the Emmy Award-winning broadcaster played the game fairly, strategically and she avoided the catfights among reality stars Brandi Glanville, Kenya Moore and actress Vivica A. Fox.
For Leeza’s efforts, the money raised throughout the season and the grand prize will go to her charity, Leeza’s Care Connection. The organization provides a gathering place, resource center and support system for caregivers of people with memory disorders, chronic or progressive illnesses.
Talking about the charity moved Leeza to tears as she remembered her late-mother who battled Alzheimer’s.
“This is a promise I made to my mother to tell her story and make it count,” Leeza said. She used money won throughout the season to open another location for the charity in her native South Carolina.
Leeza added, “I just hope I’ve been as courageous as my mom. I hope I’ve done her proud.”
For the final challenge, Leeza and Geraldo were paired with former teammates to create original commercials promoting Universal Orlando Resort. They also had to raise funds by selling vacation packages as Leeza tapped singer Olivia Newton-John for her musical guest and Geraldo went with performer Tony Orlando.
Both leaders were congratulated for their overall projects and final fundraising totals for the season: more than $724,000 for Geraldo and nearly $500,000 for Leeza who won the last task.
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.
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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.
Douglas Gorenstein/NBC
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