'Celebrity Apprentice' Season 8 Contestants and Release Date: New Mama Tyra Banks is an Advisor

By Ann Dee

Excitement for "Celebrity Apprentice" Season 8 is now drumming up, especially after Arnold Schwarzenegger is announced to replace the current presidential candidate Donald Trump as the host. Many are now raring to find out who the celebrity contestant lineup this season and more other interesting details. 

According to Entertainment Weekly, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is one of the contestants. Known as one of the reality TV stars of "Jersey Shore," Snooki is now set to win some approval in the boardroom. Apart from her is the Grammy-winning musician, Boy George. Wilson Phillips member Carnie Wilson, "Saturday Night Live" alumni Jon Lovitz, boxing champ Laila Ali are also competing. Aside from them, other celebrities joining in and competing for the grand prize are former pro football player Eric Dickerson, "America Ninja Warrior" host Matt Iseman, past "Big Morning Buzz Live" host Carrie Keagan, "Queer Eye's" Carson Kressley, Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie, "Mötley Crüe's" Vince Neil, "Real Housewives" stars Kyle Richards and Porsha Williams, mixed martial artist Chael Sonnen, and Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. 

Not only are the contestant lineup released, but it has also been reported that Schwarzenegger will have the help of veteran celebrities who successfully combined the entertainment and business worlds. According to Variety, Warren Buffett, Tyra Banks, Steve Ballmer, and Jessica Alba have signed on as advisors. 

Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks YouTube/ScreenGrab

Aside from having all new host, advisors, and contestants, "Celebrity Apprentice" Season 8 will also have a new setting. It is moved to Los Angeles with a facility located in the Silicon Beach technology hub. Winner of the all-new season can gain $250,000 check for him or her to give to his or her preferred charity. For the past seven years, the reality show has earned over $15 million for different charities. 

For his part, Trump is happy with being replaced by Schwarzenegger. Trump tweeted, "Congrats to my friend @Schwarzenegger who is doing next season's Celebrity Apprentice. He'll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity. To all my fans, sorry I couldn't do The Apprentice any longer-but equal time (presidential run) prohibits me from doing so. Love!"

Schwarzenegger could not be more thrilled, though, since he is a self-confessed "Celebrity Apprentice" fan. The actor-politician, who is worth $300 million, had 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" 

He added, "I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let's get started!"

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