Shawn Johnson and Lorenzo Lamas for "The Celebrity Apprentice"
After getting fired from NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice,” contestants Lorenzo Lamas and Shawn Johnson named their favorites to win the 14th season of the overall competition.
“I bet Leeza Gibbons will win. I put my money on her,” Johnson told TheWrap. “She’s a class act and a brilliant businesswoman.”
On Monday’s episode, Gibbons led Team Infinity to a victory by creating a viral video to market coffee brand Chock full o’Nuts. The win forced the dismissal of competing project manager Lamas, who’s fate was sealed when he declined to pick two other teammates for potential elimination.
“I’m really pulling for Leeza. She’s such a classy, noble and intelligent woman,” the actor said. “She has the financial resources to go all the way and the creative ability to take her to the finish. I was only sorry we didn’t get a chance to be on the same team.”
But while Lamas is pulling for Gibbons, that’s not the same as picking a winner.
“It’s going to be Geraldo. Do I think Geraldo should win?” he asked with a sigh. “He wouldn’t listen to anybody and the only idea he would support was his own. He’s not a team player.”
Lamas and Johnson not only agreed on who should win, but with Trump’s decisions to fire them. Johnson was let go after Trump and teammate Vivica A. Fox noted her hesitancy to step up as project manager.
“I understand why, but I do feel like I had more to offer and was one of the hardest working ones on there,” Olympic medalist Johnson said. “I stood true to who I am, which I was proud of, in a vicious setting. I’m not that kind of person and kept my dignity about me.”
Lamas said, “As shocked as I was to lose, it wasn’t based on someone messing up on my team. I do think it was the right decision. Ultimately, the responsibility of the task lies with the project manager … In this case there’s nothing I would have done different.”
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.
Douglas Gorenstein/NBC
NBC
