Celebrity Apprentice Recap: Did Clay Aiken or Arsenio Hall Get Hired by the Donald?

Singer and talk show host face off in final challenge, a variety show for charity, and Donald Trump picks which contestant's charity will be awarded an additional $250,000

By Rebecca Macatee May 21, 2012 3:23 AMTags
Arsenio Hall, Clay Aiken, THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE Douglas Gorenstein/NBC

Clay Aiken and Arsenio Hall faced off in one final challenge Sunday night.

The duo, with the help of former Celebrity Apprentice competitors, were given the task of putting together a variety show and throwing a party to benefit their respective charities.

Broadcasting live from NYC's Museum of Natural History, Donald Trump announced the newest winner of Celebrity Apprentice

Arsenio Hall!

The 56-year-old comedian was elated, putting his head down on the table then raising his hand to the sky. He and Clay hugged, and the American Idol runner-up (and now Celebrity Apprentice runner-up) congratulated his competitor and friend.

And while Arsenio took home the prize, both men were winners: Arsenio's team raised $167,000 for the Magic Johnson Foundation, and Clay's team pulled in a whopping $301,500 for the National Inclusion Project. (Arsenio's charity was also awarded an additional $250,000 from Trump for winning Celebrity Apprentice.)

"I've never been so torn," Trump said before announcing Arsenio as the winner. "This is a very, very tough decision. You're both amazing people. There is no loser tonight."

Are you glad Arsenio Hall won Celebrity Apprentice

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PHOTOS: Celebrity Apprentice Cast: Current and Past