I've waited for this list for so long—the 16 contestants who will try their luck and become Donald Trump's next Celebrity Apprentice.  Last year's list was a hodge-podge of names both from the world of show business and sport, plus the odd former Apprentice contestant thrown in.  This year's is an interesting, if not surprising, mix of contestants, too: we have singers, basketball players, poker players, and another non-stranger to the reality business.

So, who are these people that could possibly follow Piers Morgan's path and dodge the “you're fired” lines to become the winner of The Celebrity Apprentice?  Read on to find out.

Clint Black is a prolific musician and songwriter, having written and released over a hundred songs.  He has sold over 20 million albums worldwide, with a third of his singles have become big country hits.  The multi-instrumentalist—he can play the drums, harmonica, bass guitar and lots more—also established his own record label, Equity Music Group, in 2003.

Andrew Dice Clay has received considerable attention, both positive and negative, for his risqué, hardcore style of comedy.  A star both in films, comedy albums (his debut Dice was so offensive, apparently, that the warning simply said “this album is offensive”) and stand-up, he last appeared on the VH1 reality series Dice: Undisputed.

Annie Duke is one of the best known poker players in the world, having won many competitions across the world.  Currently, she is a consultant for UltimateBet.com, overseeing the website's game rules conform those of the actual card game.  She is also a poker coach to stars like Ashton Kutcher, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

Tom Green is best known for his brand of comedy, having showcased it in so both television (The Tom Green Show) and films (Freddy Got Fingered, Road Trip).  The testicular cancer survivor also penned an autobiography, Hollywood Causes Cancer: The Tom Green Story, in 2005, where he detailed his upbringing in Ottawa and his path to comedy stardom.

Natalie Gulbis has made a name for herself in the world of golf, beginning in her years at the University of Arizona, where she was recognized with First Team All-American honors.  She broke out of the LPGA scene in 2005, and moved on to win her first tour, the Evian Masters, in 2007.  She also featured in her own line of fashion calendars, as well as a reality series on The Golf Channel.

Scott Hamilton first made a splash 25 years ago, with his figure skating performances at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, where he won the gold for the United States.  Since then, he has worked as a professional ice skater, performing for 15 years in the Stars on Ice show that he co-founded, and is also known for his television appearances and inspirational books.

Jesse James is best known for his appearances in the international television hit Monster Garage, a series on the Discovery Channel which challenged him to modify a vehicle to a “monster machine”.  First making his name as a motorcycle builder, he has since been known for his clothing line and restaurant, and is currently working on another television series for Spike TV.

Claudia Jordan is one of the girls in NBC's , being in charge of box #1.  Previous to that, she represented Rhode Island in both the Miss Teen USA and the Miss USA pageant; her run in the latter was spectacular, as she was one of a few of the state's representatives to break the top 10.  From there, she has appeared in several television shows, and is even trying her luck in films.

Khloe Kardashian may be best known as the sister of socialite , but viewers of the hit E! series know that she knows her stuff, too.  Apart from co-managing their high-end women's boutique DASH, she is also busy with product endorsements and reporting from the red carpet for website Celebuzz.

Brian McKnight has spent many years as an internationally-renowned singer and songwriter, having been active in the business since 1991.  Since he released his eponymous debut, his brand of soul and R&B has made an impact across the world, with over 16 million albums sold globally.  He's also dabbled in broadcasting, currently doing a syndicated radio show from Los Angeles.

Joan Rivers continues to maintain a ubiquitous presence after breaking out in 1968, with a guest bit on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.  From there, she's done daytime talk shows, been nominated for a Tony, designed jewelry for QVC, written many books, and hosted many red carpet specials for E!, and later, the TV Guide Channel.

Melissa Rivers followed her mother, Joan Rivers, to the entertainment industry, having co-hosted in the many successful red carpet specials for E! and the TV Guide Channel.  The Ivy League graduate and accomplished equestrian also stocked up on experience behind the scenes, having produced a number of high-rated specials and television series.

Brande Roderick is an actress for both film (The Nanny Diaries, Starsky and Hutch) and television (Baywatch, ) and is currently at work on her own reality series, Flirty 30s.  A former Playboy playmate, she's also in charge of her own production company, Sha-Ra Productions, which she established in 2000, as well as social networking site FinanciallyHung.com.

Dennis Rodman is a colorful—literally—personality on and off the basketball court.  Known for his defensive prowess, he has played for many NBA basketball teams, and reaped many awards.  He's also made a name for himself in film, television and professional wrestling: he is even part of the currently ongoing season of Celebrity Big Brother, in the United Kingdom.

Herschel Walker was responsible for catapulting the University of Georgia football team to the national championship in 1980, a mean feat for a freshman.  The Heisman Trophy awardee, since named the second greatest player in college football history, also set numerous records during his 15-year stint in the NFL.  Currently he runs a food business selling a line of frozen appetizers.

Tionne Watkins is best known as T-Boz, one of the three girls that formed successful music group TLC.  Beyond that, she's established herself as an acclaimed actress and producer, through her production company Shee Entertainment.  She's also worked as a book author, philanthropist and children's clothes designer.

Of course, all their winnings will be done for charity, but we're in it for the competition, right?  Piers Morgan thought that the potential flare-ups among the contestants will “make [his] legendary fights with look like a tea party.”  Another change in the boardroom involves a “rotating seat”: apart from Donald, his children Ivanka and Donald Jr., and his longtime associate George Ross, a variety of business leaders and industry giants will join in the discussion.  And, as always, only one will become The Celebrity Apprentice—and it all kicks off on March 1, from 9pm ET, on NBC.



-Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: NBC
(Image courtesy of NBC)