Yallwire News

John Rich has been named Celebrity Apprentice, claiming victory and $250,000 for charity.

The country singer was up against actress Marlee Matlin on last night's finale of the NBC reality show. Host Donald Trump claimed it was his toughest season yet to decide the winner.

"I've never had to go through something like this...You've both been amazing," Trump told the pair before announcing his choice on the live portion of the program.

This season of Celebrity Apprentice began airing in March with 16 contestents, each competing in business-oriented tasks around Manhattan to raise money for and publicize their favorite cause.

The final challenge had called for competing promotional campaigns for a brand of soda.

Rich - who is part of the duo Big & Rich - now wins a $250,000 check for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Academy Award-winner Best Actress for her work in 1987's Children of a Lesser God, Matlin was playing for Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Shortly before Trump declared the season's winner, the two joined forces to perform a song, "For The Kids," which Rich sang and Matlin, who is deaf,  signed evocatively. The song is available for purchase now, and all of the proceeds will go straight to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.