John Rich hears he is winner of The Celebrity Apprentice.
John Rich was named winner of NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice last night (5/22) by Donald Trump. The season finale aired live from the Skirball Theatre in New York City, where Rich became the show’s first country music winner, beating out actress Marlee Matlin.
In last night’s episode, Rich surprised everyone by playing his “Trump card” and becoming the first contestant to bring in additional money in the finale. Rich added a donation of $250,000 from Dollar General and Reckitt Benckiser, and $25,000 from The Melting Pot. Rich also performed his new song “For the Kids” during the episode.
As the newest Celebrity Apprentice, Rich received a $250,000 prize for his charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The show’s charity earnings for the season totaled $3,120,852 – the largest amount ever raised by a TV series.
“Today has been an unbelievable day!” said Rich. “I got Trump to put on a Stetson hat on national television and now I get to drive down to Memphis with a $250,000 check for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This entire experience has been for the kids and I’m so excited to raise money for this cause and help save lives. Everyone, please purchase the song ‘For the Kids.’ All of the proceeds will go straight to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!”
Last week, Rich released two new Six Pak albums via Warner Music Nashville: Rich Rocks and For the Kids. He has also teamed with fellow Celebrity Apprentice contestants Meat Loaf, Lil Jon and Mark McGrath to record “Stand In The Storm,” a new single benefiting their respective charities from the show.
John Rich chats with St. Jude patient T'Ara during a recent visit to the hospital to shoot for the show's finale episode.
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Sarah Skates has worked in the music business for more than a decade and is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.View Author Profile
