Celebrity Apprentice: Adam Carolla Surprised by Clay Aiken

506 days ago by Reg Seeton

Following the official Celebrity Apprentice 5 cast announcement on Wednesday, new celebrity contestant Adam Carolla revealed that he was surprised by singer Clay Aiken.

When The Deadbolt spoke to radio host and comedian Adam Carolla shortly after the official Celebrity Apprentice cast announcement on Wednesday morning, Carolla was quick to admit that he was unexpectedly forced to think twice about former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken, who is also a contestant on the upcoming season of Celebrity Apprentice.

“I was surprised that Clay Aiken was as gritty as he was.”

“I knew the guy had the competitive spirit,” admitted Carolla, “because he did another show that we won’t mention that involved a competition. But I didn’t know the guy other than his huge candy consumption. [He] had a lot of that roll up his sleeves grit.”

Adam Carolla and Clay Aiken join a Celebrity Apprentice men’s team that includes Arsenio Hall, Lou Ferrigno, Penn Jillette, Dee Snider, George Takei, IndyCar legend Michael Andretti, and Paul Teutul, Sr. of American Chopper. Both Carolla and Aiken will take on a Celebrity Apprentice women’s team consisting of Cheryl Tiegs, Debbie Gibson, Tia Carrere, Victoria Gotti, Lisa Lampanelli, former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, Aubrey O’Day, actress and model Patricia Velasquez, and Teresa Giudice of Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Although hardcore fans of Clay Aiken certainly know that Clay has a strong will to succeed because of his positive spirit, Aiken stood out among all other celebrities for Adam Carolla during their time on the show. For Carolla, it was an unexpected shocker.”You don’t normally associate Clay Aiken with that guy you’d want on your football team.”

Sounds like Clay may be a dark horse contender this season.

Celebrity Apprentice season 5 premieres February 12 at 8pm on NBC.

Tell us who you like this season on Celebrity Apprentice.

What do you think?

Reg Seeton

Reg Seeton created The Deadbolt in 2005 after working for the pioneering movie news website, Coming Attractions. Reg has over 15 years experience as a top online entertainment journalist and interviewer, has worked with several award winning actors, musicians and writers, and has managed entertainment networks in New York and Los Angeles. And he's done it all with one eye!
  • Anonymous

    the picture of Clay looks like Adam in a Clay Aiken mask

    • Sandy

      No way–Clay has much broader shoulders!

  • Sandy

    I think Clay will surprise a lot of people–not just Adam Carolla!!
    My money’s on him!!  He’s the one I’d hire.

  • http://twitter.com/MJane1666 Marty E

    Clay is talented, intelligent and passionate about his charity.  I think he will do well on this show.

  • http://twitter.com/mtbleusky katy

    On the Adam Corolla Show Clay did an Podcast interview with Adam that reveals a lot about Clay and how Adam feels about him. It’s worth a listen.

    • Anonymous

      Link, please?

      • anyhoo

         http://www.adamcarolla.com/clay-aiken/

        in case you didn’t find it

  • Barefoot60

    Can’t wait for the world to see the Clay we’ve known for so long. Some of us may even be a bit surprised! He’s got the talent, compassion, get up and go, intelligence, and more.

  • Allisanna

    Clay’s going to change some misconceptions about himself with the general public if he stays around long enough in the competition.  I hope that happens.

  • Jackie

    Great interview, Adam Carolla gets it :) I’m so looking forward to watch him and Clay on Celebrity Apprentice. 

  • Christine

    What a great opportunity for Clay to apply his intelligence (he’s scary smart & quick), creativity, business acumen and grit for a great cause.  He’s not what the more sensationalistic media would have you believe, if you’re silly enough to buy into it!  Love Adam too…the Adam/Clay podcast was interesting and insightful.

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  • kara

    What a great article.  I wish Clay and Adam the best.  Good luck!

  • guest

    Can’t wait to see the interaction between Clay, Arsenio,, Dee and others.  This should be a great year.  Betting on Clay for the win.  He’s just too smart and clever not to pull this off!

  • Gregori

    The interview Carolla did of Aiken recently was really good.  Aiken was a lot smarter, funnier, and more interesting than I expected.  You can get it from here:

    http://www.adamcarolla.com/clay-aiken/

  • TENNIE0121

    DON’T UNDERESTIMATE CLAY. HE’S ONE SMART COMPETITOR. HOPE HE’S IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL, ESPECIALLY FOR HIS KIDS.

  • Applefritz

    I am sure Clay will do will, he has the motivation for his charity and can
    surprise many with his snark and intelligence.

  • Josh18

    The more I see Clay, the more I like the guy. Can’t wait to see this season.

  • Kamjo79

    Clay is cunning and knows how to sit back (for the most part) and let everyone else self destruct, then he goes in for the kill. As a Clay fan from the beginning, I’ve always known Mr. Aiken is one bull I wouldn’t want to lock horns with. His wit is quick and he is constantly thinking and planning. Clay wouldn’t be there if he wasn’t there to kick some ass.