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"THE ULTIMATE MERGER"-- OMAROSA SEEKS A LOVE CONNECTION ON "DONALD TRUMP PRESENTS: THE ULTIMATE MERGER" AIRING ON TV ONE THURSDAYS AT 10 PM ET. |
By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
N2Entertainment.net
I'm not a big fan of most reality television shows. Although I have to admit that I'm getting hooked on the new TV One series, "Donald J. Trump Presents: The Ultimate Merger" which airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET and stars Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth.
You may recall that Omarosa, 36, appeared on the first season of Donald Trump's hit series "The Apprentice" (2004). She also became a familiar face on other reality shows such as "The Surreal Life," "Battle of the Network Reality Stars" and "Fear Factor."
And now, she's back again and this time feistier than ever.
"The Ultimate Merger," which is like "The Bachelorette" but for black folks, follows Omarosa's quest to find a love connection with one of the 12 eligible bachelors. The bachelors come from diverse backgrounds and professions ranging from a foreign currency trader, R&B singers—one well known, the other up and coming--an author/model, a lawyer, entrepreneur and concert promoter.
Omarosa puts these handsome hunks through a variety of tests that are designed to play upon their weaknesses, test their business acumen, measure their seductive strengths, expose their true intentions and see if they can ultimately win her heart.
Omarosa will be assisted in the challenges by a series of friends and celebrities. They include: comedians George Wallace and Loni Love to TV One chef G. Garvin to former Video Vixen and author Karrine Steffans. There will also be several of Omarosa's former "Apprentice" co-stars, such as Katrina Campins, Nick Warnock, and Troy McClaine. Pastor Jamal Bryant serves as Omarosa's spiritual adviser and is on hand to provide guidance and support to the bachelors when needed. And the bachelors will get to meet Mamarosa, Omarosa's mother.
Since "The Ultimate Merger's" debut, on June 17 Omarosa has already found three bachelors—as of this writing--unworthy of her attention and has kicked them to the curb. Each episode reveals something more dramatic as the bachelor pool shrinks.
N2Entertainment.net caught up with the very busy Omarosa to talk about her new show, "Donald J. Trump Presents: The Ultimate Merger" and why she believes it's enjoying such big ratings. The reality TV star also discussed meeting up again with Al B. Sure!, a bachelor on the show that she used to date, why she has no time for haters and how she manages to tackle other projects with so much on her plate.
Check out what else Omarosa had to say.
Q. How did the idea for "Donald J. Trump Presents: The Ultimate Merger" come about? Was it your idea?
A. Donald and I knew we wanted to develop a reality show. We had talked about it for some time. And he threw around some ideas. A show about dating just seemed really appealing to me. We researched and looked at the numbers on reality shows in general. We felt we could revolutionize the dating process by doing an African-American reality show. There's nothing really out there like this. So I believe we've latched on to something fun and exciting.
Q. What do you enjoy most about it?
A. What I like is that "The Ultimate Merger" shows a woman being in control. And that's me. It's important to see women in control. I'm in the power seat and I don't allow the men to manipulate me. But more than that, I'm very proud that the show has connected Donald Trump and Cathy Hughes (Founder of Radio One and TV One). He knew of her, but didn't really know her and now they have formed a good partnership with this show which could quite possibly lead to other ventures down the line.
Q. Are there any limitations as to what you can do on the show in terms of what you can make the guys do or maybe places you can go with them?
A. Not really. But I'm in the process of getting my pilot's license. I should have it by the end of the summer. What I wanted to do was fly the guys around in a plane and do part of the show with me flying them. That idea didn't go over too well. I guess Donald and the network felt it would be too dangerous and too much of a liability. So that was scrapped. Other than that, everything else has been a go.
Q. Has there been anything that has really surprised you so far on the show?
A. One of the bachelors—Darrell--who is now eliminated really threw me when he implied on the very first show, that he didn't date black women. And I was like 'what the hell are you doing here?' As I said, I am a "sista" in every way. And how he could say that—although he tried to explain himself but only made things worse--was just shocking to me. Plus there were other issues with him too. So things didn't end well for him at all. (Laughter).
Q. What is it about "The Ultimate Merger" that has people talking and tuned in each week?
A. The fact that it's so different. You don't always get to see good-looking, well dressed, professional African-American men on TV all the time. And this show offers that. Plus, you never know what to expect from me or them. Things get very testy and heated. It's good drama that makes very good television. So far, we've been pulling in some big ratings for the show.
Q. Did you know any of the bachelors prior to meeting them on the show?
A. Al B. Sure! and I dated years ago. But he never really sealed the deal. So I was shocked when I saw him. Donald (Trump) kept that under wraps and surprised me with him. Al B. Sure told me that he wanted another shot at trying to win me over. Charles Parker and I dated too. He and I both lived in Washington D.C. I was stunned to see him here since our relationship ended so terribly. He's a real charmer, but a "playa" for days.
Q. Is there really a bachelor —I know you can't really say who—that you secretly hope comes through for you and you can't wait to be with?
A. Well, I really can't say, but I will say to keep your eyes on C.J. because he's the most wholesome person you ever want to meet.
Q. For what it's worth C.J. and Charles are my personal favorites. Don't you think you and either one of them would make a striking couple?
A. (Laughter). C.J. and Charles definitely have the look. (Lots of laughter). They seem to be a complete package no question about it. We'll see.
Q. When will the lucky winner be announced?
A. The final episode with the lucky winner will air sometime in mid-
August.
Q. That's a lot of kissing, hugging and fighting to get through until then isn't it.
A. (Laughter). Yes, but I'm up for the challenge.
Q. What's it really like working with Donald Trump?
A. He's really a very caring person. He's serious but also funny and fun to work with. Donald is invested in me committed to seeing me succeed. You have to have someone who is going to look after your success.
Q. In addition to "The Ultimate Merger," what are some of the other things you've got going?
A. The show has been keeping me pretty busy, but I have a few things going. I teach a branding and marketing course in the MBA program at my alma mater Howard University. And I'm currently studying for my Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree at the seminary. I also have a few scripts for some other TV shows that I'm considering and are sorting through. Overall, things are moving along quite nicely for me.
Q. Did it bother you when you were on "The Apprentice" that some people referred to you as "the bad girl" or the woman that America loved to hate and that some still view you as somewhat of a villain and manipulative person?
A. Look, I am a strong, powerful African-American woman who has risen from poverty and achieved success. (Omarosa served as Deputy Associate Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House for President Bill Clinton). I'm very proud of that. People can look at my life and make their own judgments. Some share in my success and others don't. That's just the way it is. I know how complicated I am. I also know many of those negative people wish they could be in my shoes. I take it all in stride. I have much too much to do in life and give to people than to worry about all the haters. Life is much too short for all that.
Editor's Note: Don't miss "Donald J. Trump Presents: The Ultimate Merger" on TV One Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET.
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