VIDEO: Country Singer John Rich Wins Celebrity Apprentice
May 23 2011, Published 10:18 a.m. ET
Breaking Celebrity News Staff Writer
Donald Trump chose country crooner John Rich over actress Marlee Matlin to be this year’s Celebrity Apprentice champion on Sunday's live finale of the NBC hit.
"You've both been amazing," Trump said before making his final ruling. "Marlee, the job you've done is absolutely incredible. John from the beginning you've been a leader and you've been smart. I can't ask for anything more.
"I've never had to go through something like this, where the contestants are so, so, so outstanding -- you've both been amazing.”
Out of respect to the Oscar-winner, instead of firing Matlin, Trump simply announced, “The winner of the Celebrity Apprentice 2011 is ... John Rich.”
Rich’s charity show put his 80s promotional campaign for 7-Up over the top, besting Matlin's 70s-themed campaign. (Both versions of the can are actually being sold in stores).