Celebrity Apprentice Winner John Rich Scoops $250,000 Prize

Celebrity Apprentice winner John Rich will donate his $250,000 cash prize to the St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Celebrity Apprentice aired its tense season eleven final last night (22nd May 2011) with country singer Rich edging out the actress Marlee Matlin to be named this year's winner.

Host Donald Trump said picking a winner from the final two was the toughest 'Apprentice' decision yet. The final challenge had seen Rich and Martlin creating promotional campaigns for a brand of soda. In a break from the intense rivalry, the pair performed a song, 'For the Kids', with Rich singing and the deaf Matlin signing. This season's 'Celebrity Apprentice' began airing in March 2011 with 16 contestants each competing in business-oriented tasks around Manhattan to raise money for the charity of their choice. Earlier in the season, the reality television star Star Jones hit the headlines after feuding with a number of other contestants, including Nene Leakes and Dionne Warwick. Most of the contestants returned for the live finale, but Richard Hatch was unable to appear following his recent imprisonment for tax evasion.

This year's celebrity apprentice winner John Rich is best known for his time spent as the bass player and occasional lead singer of the country band Lonestar. He has also released two solo albums, 'Underneath the Same Moon' and 'Son of a Preacher Man'.