Monday, May 21, 2012

10116: Arsenio Hall Breaks Boardroom Barriers.

From The New York Daily News…

‘Celebrity Apprentice’ recap: Arsenio Hall becomes first African-American champ of Donald Trump’s boardroom

Former ‘American Idol’ runner-up Clay Aiken settles for second place

By Bill Hutchinson / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Former talk-show host Arsenio Hall was crowned the “Celebrity Apprentice” Sunday night — making history as the first African-American to win in Donald Trump’s TV boardroom.

Hall, 56, looked stunned and covered his face with his hands as billionaire Donald Trump uttered the words he long to hear — “You’re hired.”

The fist-pumping actor and TV personality known for his catch phrase “Let’s get busy!” beat out “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken for the coveted prize.

Trump said it was a tough decision, but gave Hall the nod for his management style and business savvy.

Unlike previous years when the winner and second-place finisher finished the season on the brink of ripping each other’s eyes out, Hall and Aiken shook hands and hugged in a rain of confetti.

Hall’s victory scored an extra $250,000 for his favorite charity, The Magic Johnson Foundation, an advocacy group for people living with HIV and AIDS.

During the season, which started with 18 celebrity contestants in April, Hall’s team raised $167,100 for The Magic Johnson Foundation.

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