Celebrity Apprentice Finale: Did John Rich or Marlee Matlin Take Home the Title?

Missed Sunday night's episode? We've got the big reveal of this season's winner right here

By Brandi Fowler May 23, 2011 5:30 AMTags

And then there was one.

The championship round heated up between John Rich and Marlee Matlin in their battle to create the best retro 7UP campaign and take home Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice crown.

So who was the last competitor standing?

John Rich, that's who. The musician won the $250,000 prize for his charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Nashville star defeated Marlee simply by having the slightly better campaign in the eyes of Trump and the bubbly brand's execs.

Here's what went down:

Last week, it seemed Marlee wouldn't be able to get former 7UP commercial star Geoffrey Holder to appear in her commercial. However, his contractual issues were resolved and he was able to star in it. Marlee also scored points with execs when she greeted them at her presentation, and treated attendees to a Harlem Globetrotters game in honor of the era.  

John's plan didn't run as smoothly, however. He kicked off his Def Leppard show by calling the rock band to the stage 20 minutes before they were supposed to go on. He also didn't greet the execs at the door like Marlee did (which they didn't seem to be happy about).

But all was not lost. John filled in the empty space at the concert by putting on an impromptu performance, even going so far as to make up a song on the spot called "Don't Fire Me Mr. Trump," which impressed (and amused) the judges. And he pulled out the big guns: A $250,000 donation from Dollar General and Reckitt Benckiser (and $25,000 more from The Melting Pot), which ultimately helped make this season the highest money-raising one in the show's history with charitable donations reaching more than $3 million. 

Before the duo was taken into the boardroom though, we were able to see all of the fired castmates come back to the show…and bring back a little bit of crazy.

Gary Busey went on and on about his Omaha Steaks kite idea (which the company surprisingly picked up), and Star Jones and NeNe Leakes couldn't resist reigniting the war of words one more time before the season ended.

Then, it was time to name a winner.

"You've both been amazing," Trump said. "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." But it was John Rich's night.

The winner of the Celebrity Apprentice is John Rich," Trump said.

"Today has been an unbelievable day!" Rich said. "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."

So, tell us what you think. Did Trump choose the right apprentice? Or should it have gone to Marlee?

PHOTOS: Take a look back at this season's Celebrity Apprentice cast!