If you’ve never watched Donald Trump’s trumped-up “Apprentice” franchise or its ratings-whore “Celebrity” rendition, the new season may be a good time for gay fans to start. Clay Aiken, George Takei, Aubrey O’Day and Lisa Lampanelli are on board for the Feb. 12. premiere.
NBC announced the cast on Wednesday, and it’s your usual mishmash of personalities from Victoria Gotti and Arsenio Hall to Tia Carerre, Lou Ferrigno, Cheryl Tiegs and Adam Carolla.
The list of 18 goes on and on, but suffice it to say that, in our opinion, the show was in sore need of some gay appeal. Enter singer Aiken and – hopefully for producers – his throng of loyal followers, as well as “Star Trek” alum and out actor Takei with his corresponding trekky fanbase.
The show will also see gay-friendly comedian and self-proclaimed “ballsy bitch” Lampanelli, whose chosen charity is Gay Men’s Health Crisis. O’Day is appearing on the show to raise money for the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Eduction Network. Singer and LGBT ally Deborah Gibson is also a contestant.
The best news for Claymates? Several members of this season’s cast hint that Aiken is one to watch for the win.
