Donald Trump
Donald Trump Reuters

Donald Trump has put together his biggest cast of characters for the lineup of the next Celebrity Apprentice, including mob boss daughter Victoria Gotti and American Idol alum Clay Aiken.

The real estate mogul told Matt Lauer on the >Today show Wednesday morning that his NBC reality show is featuring 18 contestants for its 5th season, airing Feb. 12. The singers, models and reality stars competing for Trump's approval - and for charity -- also include New Jersey Real Housewife Teresa Guidice, former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, comedian Lisa Lampanelli (full list below).

Some of the folks really are incredible. And really very competitive, highly competitive, Trump said on the Today show.

The eight candidates who joined Trump on the Today show seemed in good spirits, but Aiken warned things in the board room got intense.

Lisa's got this reputation of being nasty, and she's actually really nasty, Aiken said of the comedienne.

Daughter of convicted New York crime boss John Gotti, Victoria has probably dealt with her fair share of tough guys. But even she said she was surprised with aggressive people got. You see sides of people you didn't see when you were getting to know each other for three days. All of a sudden it's like take no prisoners, you can't imagine.

Trump, who dropped a bid for the GOP's nominee for president last spring, has flirted with re-entering the race as an independent candidate, but said he's not allowed to run until this season's Apprentice concludes in May.

When Lauer said he wanted to find out how far the present competitors were all willing to go to win, he asked: by a show of hands, how many of you think Donald Trump would be a good president?

The eight competitors all immediately raised their hands.

LIST OF COMPETITORS

  • Clay Aiken, American Idol runner up, pop star
  • Michael Andretti, IndyCar race car driver
  • Teresa Giudice, reality star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey
  • Victoria Gotti, daughter of convicted crime boss John Gotti, reality star of Growing Up Gotti
  • Lisa Lampanelli, comedienne
  • Dayna Mendoza, former Miss Universe
  • Dee Snyder, rock musician
  • Paul Teutul, Sr., motorcyclist, reality star of American Chopper
  • Arsenio Hall, talk show host, comedian
  • Adam Carolla, radio host
  • Lou Ferrigno, bodybuilder, Incredible Hulk TV actor
  • Penn Jillette, magician, comedian
  • George Takei, Star Trek actor
  • Cheryl Tiegs, supermodel
  • Debbie Gibson, pop star
  • Tia Carrere, actress and singer
  • Aubrey O'Day, singer, Making the Band
  • Patricia Velásquez, actress and model

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