Celebrity Apprentice: Arsenio Hall Wins Donald Trump’s Stamp of Approval and $250,000 for the Magic Johnson Foundation

The final two of Celebrity Apprentice

Donald Trump’s final two, Arsenio Hall and Clay Aiken

Arsenio Hall crowned Donald Trump’s latest Celebrity Apprentice

Eighteen celebrities entered Donald Trump’s boardroom during the first episode of this season’s The Celebrity Apprentice, but in the end it all came down to former late-night host Arsenio Hall and American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken. So who emerged victorious, winning $250,000 for his charity?

Trump announced Sunday (May 20) night during the live Celebrity Apprentice finale that Arsenio is the winner.

For their final challenge, Arsenio and Clay were tasked with creating an ad and a fundraising event with a variety show for their respective charities – the National Inclusion Project for Clay and the Magic Johnson Foundation for Arsenio. Clay and Arsenio both created great videos and events, entertaining the crowd with a stellar comedy lineup – including Adam Carolla and Lisa Lampanelli – and singers like Debbie Gibson and Aubrey O’Day. In the end, Arsenio’s team raised more than $160,000, while Clay’s team raised an astounding $301,500.

But ultimately, it wasn’t just about who raised the most money. Arsenio was undefeated throughout the season as a project manager, while Clay wasn’t. And (not that Trump is taking this into account, but …) one could argue that Arsenio has more to gain from winning The Celebrity Apprentice – potentially restarting his late-night career, for one.

“When I was battling against Johnny Carson, I was number two,” he says, reminding Trump that Clay’s not the only one who has previously come in second place.

Do you think Trump made the right decision?