Warren Buffett, Tyra Banks, Steve Ballmer and Jessica Alba have signed on as advisors for the eighth season of “Celebrity Apprentice” with new host Arnold Schwarzenegger stepping in for Donald Trump.
The 16 contenders set for season eight are: Laila Ali, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Eric Dickerson, Boy George, Matt Iseman, Carrie Keagan, Carson Kressley, Lisa Leslie, Jon Lovitz, Vince Neil, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Kyle Richards, Chael Sonnen, Porsha Williams, Ricky Williams and Carnie Wilson.
Also joining Schwarzenegger as a boardroom advisor is his nephew, entertainment attorney Patrick Knapp Schwarzenegger. NBC has yet to set a premiere date.
With Schwarzenegger taking the helm, production of “Celebrity Apprentice” will move to Los Angeles with a facility located in the Silicon Beach technology hub. The show challenges celebrities to work together to complete business-oriented tasks, this time with an emphasis on technology and innovation. The winner will receive a $250,000 check for the charity of their choice. “Celebrity Apprentice” has raised more than $15 million for charities over the course of its run.
Schwarzenegger was recruited to take over the show after NBC cut ties with Trump as he launched his GOP presidential campaign last year and generated headlines with his controversial remarks regarding immigrants.
At the time NBC announced Schwarzenegger would step in for Trump, the new host said: “I have always been a huge fan of ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork. I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!”As for Schwarzenegger’s new catchphrase, NBC exec Paul Telegdy told Variety earlier this month that a slogan has been chosen, but it would remain a secret until “Celebrity Apprentice” premieres.
Buffett, chairman-CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is among the world’s most renowned investors. Ballmer is the former CEO of Microsoft who now owns the Los Angeles Clippers. Banks has just wrapped her long run on the CW’s “America’s Next Top Model” and launched a new makeup line, Tyra Beauty. Actress Alba created a line of beauty and lifestyle products through the Honest Company venture she launched in 2012. She also penned the 2013 parenting how-to book “The Honest Life.”
“Celebrity Apprentice” is produced by MGM Television with Schwarzenegger, Mark Burnett, Page Feldman and Eric Van Wagenen serving as executive producers.
