21 minutes ago

NEW YORK - Piers Morgan is hired.

The former British tabloid editor was crowned the winner on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice,” triumphing over Trace Adkins.

The final task on Thursday’s finale was to hold a charity event. Adkins was in charge of taking care of the talent, The Backstreet Boys, who demanded wheatgrass juice backstage. Morgan was responsible for the auction and food.

Adkins sold more tickets, but Morgan — who has been a judge on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” — raised the most money: $250,000.

“Apprentice” host Donald Trump said Morgan “did an amazing job” and showed up his celebrity competitors (who included Gene Simmons and “Apprentice” villain Omarosa).

Trump called Adkins, whose single “You’re Gonna Miss This” has climbed the country charts, a “special human being. A beautiful guy.”

Morgan’s charity is the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides help for families of U.S. military personnel who died in the line of duty. Morgan’s brother has served two tours of duty in Iraq, and his brother-in-law has served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

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NBC is owned by General Electric Co.

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NBC:

http://www.nbc.com/

Intrepid Fallen Heroes:

http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/