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'Celebrity Apprentice' finale: John Rich wins big for the kids
After an epic season of "The Celebrity Apprentice," finalists John Rich and Marlee Matlin rose to the top amid a very dramatic cast of competitors.
In the end, a smoothly run event by Marlee for 7 Up Retro and raising the highest amount of money ever on the series couldn't beat an impeccable body of work and a last-minute, though unnecessary, fundraising effort by John.
In the final challenge, John didn't flinch in the preparation of the event, but a couple mistakes during the actual event may have cost him the win. Donald Trump and the executives weren't happy about not being acknowledged as soon as they entered John's event. And then, John made a mistake that was tough to cover up. He introduced event performers Def Leppard almost twenty minutes too early and they didn't take the stage. Thankfully, he's a musician and was able to pick up a guitar to fill up the space, but not without some worried looks among the crowd.
Meanwhile, Marlee fell into a pattern we have seen before. She can take too much of a backseat to her team. After a while, they began to complain on-camera about being confused as to what they were supposed to be doing. And at this point in the game, one doesn't need such a basic management flaw pointed out by several people for Trump. But, Marlee is naturally a "lead by example" type person. So, when she wrapped her head around the situation, she began doing things herself and delegating tasks. But, was it too little, too late?
Her event ran very smoothly and she didn't make the mistake of ignoring her VIP guests when they arrived. If the event was lacking in anything, it was branding and signage.
There were two things we believe gave John the win. He consistently gives his all and earns great respect from his teammates. And though Trump said it doesn't really count in this challenge, John solicited last minute donations in the amount of $275,000 for his charity, St. Jude Children's Hospital. It didn't hurt that he blamed his timing mistake with Def Leppard on his shock from being presented a huge check. If anyone understands the excitement of money, it's Trump. Well-played, John.
Did you agree with Trump? Was John Rich your pick for the winner?
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Photo/Video credit: NBC
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No, I believe Marlee Matlin should have won. She always, always conducted herself professionally. John, on the other hand, is revoltingly arrogant, and many of the successes during the game that he listed during his final speech relied heavily on his teammates, whereas Marlee's successes were often because of her own strengths. And really...Does John Rich really think his lame songs that a child could scrawl with a crayon are anything to boast about? He has a reputation as a d0uchebag in Nashville, and he showed some of those colors on this show. Marlee's the winner.
Marlee had one good day the entire season. Great, she won a fundraising task and did nothing else. Her record as project leader was 1-1. John's was 2-1. They both raised the same amount of money for their charities. Plus, in the final task, while John's event might not run smoothly, his can and commercial were vastly better than Marlee's. Marlee's commercial was an incomprehensible trainwreck.
i disagree with pointing out that john's successes relied on others. why? because of course they did. so did marlee's. they both poured their hearts into what they were doing and they correctly delegated when and where necessary. that's how the game is played. no one on that show wins alone. john's song may have been simple but it touches hearts and that's the point. douchebag? maybe. but he cares a great deal for the children he helped, just as marlee cares a great deal for the people she helps. forget personalities. they don't matter a whole lot here. it's actions. and both players should have won, they played that hard. i think the real douche is trump.
Marlee should not have won. She had one good fundraising day and did nothing for the rest of the season. Her record as project manager: 1-1. John Rich's record: 2-1. John was integral to his team's success through most of the season. They raised the same amount of money for their charities. And if you look at the last project, John did better. His event might not have run smoothly like Marlee's; however, his can was much better and his commercial was much better. Marlee's commercial was an incomprehensible trainwreck. Plus, it had nothing to do with her actual product slogan.
John Rich represents the best of America with class...something others lacked...Not the caricature the press portrays southerners as.
AS usual, Trump seems to make his decisions of Celebrity Apprentice on the sport with no consideration to anything else. John Rich did well in his tasks, but so did Marlee, especially in the last one which the 7UP executives preferred but which Trump apparently through out the window when it came time to choose someone. Also, I realize John was trying to raise more money for his charity but it came across as very unprofessional to draw everyone together for a soda marketing event and then ask them for money.
The 7-Up Judges preferred John's can & pack design, they preferred Marlee's event, and preferred John's 60-Second commercial. John won the task. He raised the same money as she did overall, but ended up 2-1 against her. She might have won any other year, but John Rich was too focused, and deserved to win for the St. Jude kids.
I believed that John Rich should win, but Marlee was a formidable runner-up. I think Rich's commercial was more amusing and memorable, and the can/packaging stood out more. Both of their charities received a lot of money, so neither were "losers".
Melinda, jealous much?
Trump is sexist.. how many female winners have there been?... exactly.