It’s been quite a lot of drama, and it almost felt like it wouldn’t happen–walkout, anyone?–but Joan Rivers was crowned the winner of the second season of The Celebrity Apprentice.
She beat out poker player Annie Duke on the three-hour live finale that aired Sunday night. It wasn’t an easy win, though: the finale challenge–which had the remaining two contenders raise money for their respective charities by selling Cirque du Soleil tickets and providing a pre-show VIP party–saw Annie way ahead in earnings than Joan. While Annie also won props for integrating her charity well with the challenge, Joan took home points for attracting bigger celebrities and integrating another sponsor, Kodak, into the fore better.
In the end, though, it came down to the boardroom, and the differing approaches of the rival contestants. Joan, who started the competition with her daughter Melissa contending as well, played up her being an honorable competitor; on the other hand, Annie called herself a professional through and through, considering the long-standing feud that developed during the course of the game. In the end–and after countless arguments–Donald Trump applauded Annie for doing a good job throughout, but highlighted Joan being a role model for many people. He ultimately fired Annie and named Joan the Celebrity Apprentice for this year.
Joan eventually raised $150,830 for the charity she supports, God’s Love We Deliver, which provides prepared meals to those who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS, and thus can’t cook for themselves. Annie raised more money–$465,725–for Refugees International, a group which provides medical and educational support to displaced people across the globe.
Now, that result may get some smirks from viewers, but there’s enough space for discussion until the next season of The Celebrity Apprentice hits screens next spring, on NBC.
-Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image courtesy of NBC)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
