The Donald is BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

Tonight @ 9/8c on NBC is the night for the annual explosion of insanity that we know as Celebrity Apprentice. This season is on for its fifth installment and 12th overall in the Apprentice franchise, will mark as its biggest season to date, upping both the number of contestants and episodes.

The massive cast of 18, which includes Clay Aiken, Arsenio Hall, Aubrey O’Day, Debbie Gibson, Teresa Giudice and George Takei, will again compete for $250,000 to the charity of their choice and, Trump says, face the “biggest tasks we’ve ever had.” To succeed in this show, you need a combination of determination, energy, creativity, wits, a strategic mind and a deep Rolodex.

To make sure you are primed and ready for the premiere, we decided to introduce as well as RE-introduce you to this season’s cast. We’re sure they’ll be alot of table flipping, fake tears and cat fighting between Clay “How YOOOOU Doing” Aiken and George “Oh My!” Takei.

So hit the flip and check out this season’s crazy a$$ cast…

Clay Aiken

The first “American Idol’ contestant to ever participate and rumors are that he does very very well. How often do you get to see the season two runner up in a suit?

Michael Andretti

Former IndyCar series driver. Son to racing legend Mario Andretti. Ask your man about this racing family’s history.

Tia Carrere

Eye candy alert! This actress was Wayne’s hot rocker chick girlfriend in “Wayne’s World,” and a former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant, where she finished sixth season two back in 2006.

Adam Carolla

comedian, podcaster, actor and former co-host of syndicated radio show “Love Line” with Dr. Drew Pinsky. He also is a recycled “Dancing With the Stars” contestant, finishing ninth season 6 in 2008. He strikes us as a smart, sarcastic guy who could rub some people the wrong way, which could also make for good TV.

Lou Ferrigno

Actor and bodybuilder. He’s best known as the star of “The Incredible Hulk” and played a funny fictional version of himself in the film “I Love You Man.” He seems like a sharp tool and could be quite entertaining. HULK SMASH COMPETITION!

Debbie Gibson

80′s pop star. Her hits include “Only in My Dreams,” “Lost In Your Eyes,” “Foolish Beat” and “Shake Your Love.” She has acted in theater and films (”Mega Python vs. Gatoroid” with Tiffany last year on Syfy!) And reality show buffs might recall her as a judge on “American Juniors,” the “Idol” spinoff in 2003 and “Skating With Celebrities” on Fox in 2006. She seems to have a good sense of humor about herself and has managed to keep herself in the spotlight over the years.

Teresa Giudice

Cast member of the popular “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.” But more likely known for her table flipping fights and incredibly lavish lifestyle. She seems likable and smart but tough as nails, looks like a wild card to us.

Victoria Gotti

Author, star of short-lived A&E reality show “Growing Up Gotti,” and daughter of mobster John Gotti. Does anybody want to mess with the daughter of a mob boss? Will she and Teresa get along or could this be the clash of the accents?

Arsenio Hall

Former late-night host. Since his celebrated talk-show stint two decades ago, Hall hasn’t approached nearly that level of celebrity since then, dabbling in various unsuccessful TV shows and a brief stint as a host of “Star Search” in 2003. Who knows if he is sharp enough to keep Trump happy?

Penn Jillette

Comedian and illusionist. Half of Penn and Teller. The magician has had plenty of TV time over the years, including Showtime’s “BS” and the current Discovery show “Penn & Teller Tell a Lie.” He was also (gasp!) a former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant, ousted week one the same season as Adam Corolla. He seems bright and could go far in this show.

Lisa Lampanelli

Comedian. Frequent Comedy Central roaster. She’s loud, brash and obnoxious, perfect fodder for a reality show like this. Think NeNe Leakes. The producers will demand she stick around as long as possible to make fun of the others. We can’t wait!


Dayana Mendoza

Miss Universe in 2008 hailing from Venezuela. Every season, Trump demands eye candy, typically someone we’ve never heard of. And that’s the case here. Based on past experience, she’ll probably stay under the radar, get used as a pawn by others, then get eliminated halfway through. Boohoo. Sad story.

Aubrey O’Day

Singer and former member of “Take That Take That” Diddy’s Danity Kane girl group and reality star of her own show “All About Aubrey” on Oxygen. Like Carrerre, she has modeled in Playboy. More eye candy to say the least.

Dee Snider

Twisted Sister frontman. He showed up on an episode last season. He has a huge, over-the-top personality, perfectly cast for “Celebrity Apprentice.” Good bet he’ll be around awhile.

George Takei

Sulu on “Star Trek” and gay rights activist. Having interviewed him before, he is very wry and will go in with a very jovial attitude. But we’re not sure he has the energy or eye of the tiger to go all the way on a show like this.

Paul Teutul, Sr

Star of the Discovery Channel’s American Chopper. He is a tough dude with a temper and used to cameras. But can that translate into success in the boardroom? Doubtful.

Cheryl Tiegs

Actress and former supermodel. Supermodels aren’t necessarily the archetypes who excel on “Celebrity Apprentice.” She is facing off against some very big personalities and could get run over. Then again, supermodels are built to be under-estimated.

Patricia Velásquez

Actress and supermodel who acted in “The Mummy” and “The Mummy Returns.” Clearly, Trump loves him some supermodels. Go figure. Here’s another one! We have no clue if she has what it takes to face off against the likes of Dee Snider and the mob gals.