Did you watch Celebrity Apprentice last night? I was happy to see country star John Rich be named the new Celebrity Apprentice by The Donald. Nobody deserved to lose last night and I thought Donald Trump did the right thing by not firing Marlee who showed her fight all the way to the end for her favorite charity.

In the two-hour live finale on NBC Sunday night, both stars created great commercials that showcased 7UP Retro and both impressed the 7UP executives. The highlight of the evening was when John and Marlee came together for a performance of John’s “For The Kids,” a song he wrote and made available on iTunes to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  John raised an extra 275-thousand dollars during his last task and picked up 250-thousand for being picked as the Apprentice. Combined with money raised throughout the season, the celebrity star raked in well over a million for St. Jude.

Former Apprentice finalist and country star Trace Adkins was in attendance at Sunday’s finale. MuzikMafia member Two Foot Fred and radio talk-show host Dave Ramsey also traveled from Nashville to New York to support their friend John Rich on his big night.

At Kicker 102.5 we know first hand what the families and kids go through on a daily basis. That's the main reason we do our annual radiothon every year to give hope to the families and give kids a chance to live. I'm very proud of our country music artists who take the time to be a part of this great cause.

Congratulations John and great job Marlee you both showed America great character and class. Like John said earlier in the show, lookout cause "Country Done Come To Town".

Look for Big & Rich performing at the upcoming 2011 CMT Music Awards, June 8th at 8PM Eastern on CMT and CMT.com. And look for a brand new tour from Big & Rich soon!!!

(source: youTube video by John Rich)

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