The cast for season twelve of the Celebrity Apprentice was officially announced on Wednesday (January 4, 2012), with former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken amongst the usual mix of musicians, reality show stars, actors and supermodels.
The show - a celebrity spin on the regular format - sees contestants vying for the crown of Apprentice champion by impressing host Donald Trump with their business prowess and teamwork skills. Aiken, 32, becomes the first American Idol contestant ever to participate on the show, with his appearance hinting at the fall from grace he's experienced since rising to fame on series two of the singing contest. Following a series of hit records, Aiken was reportedly dropped by his record label Decca in 2010 following poor sales of his fifth studio album 'Tried and True'. His clean-cut image could make for interesting watching - given he's up against Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, an over-the-top personality who will no doubt be a hit with viewers. Elsewhere on this year's show, Star Trek actor George Takei will be out to win the trust of Mr Trump, as will The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice. This year's 'Blast from the Past' contestant looks to be Tia Carrere - the actress who played Wayne's rocker girlfriend in the comedy classic 'Wayne's World'.
Last year's Celebrity Apprentice was won by singer John Rich, with actress Marlee Matlin finishing as runner-up. Contestants "fired" in the earlier rounds included wacky actor Gary Busey and singer MEAT LOAF.