Trace Adkins Had His Game On
I’ve always been a fan of popular TV show, The Apprentice, as well as country music superstar Trace Adkins. When I found out he was going to be a part of the celebrity cast, it was a must-see. From the beginning, I greatly admired the way Adkins dealt with the rest of his fellow famous cast mates, especially Season One’s conniving Omarosa and oftentimes uncouth America’s Got Talent judge and eventual winner, Piers Morgan. Though Adkins’ hard work and courteous demeanor did not get him officially “hired”, he managed to always show the qualities of a true Southern gentleman.
Not once did Adkins belittle another teammate, nor attempt to win a task through conspiring against the opposing team like many of the others. (Did someone say, “Piers”?) He played the game with class, charisma and flair. I’ve always thought Donald Trump made appropriate decisions in the boardroom, but not this time. I think that a competitor’s principles and behavior throughout the entire season should be taken into account, not simply who has tallied the most wins.
Trace Adkins is quite the force to be reckoned with, both musically and personally. With his tall, firm stature, deep baritone voice and Southern hospitality, Trace Adkins is truly a man that country music can be proud of. No, he may not have been crowned Celebrity Apprentice, but he did have something even the winner was lacking. Adkins walked away with his moral compass. You’ve made us proud, Trace. Great work. We were behind you all the way.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
maryellen says:
I am a person who does not usually watch reality tv but when I heard that Trace Adkins would be on the show I decided to watch until he got eliminated. Well guess what I watched every week up to and including the finale. What impressed me most about this man is he knew the true resaon for everyone being there but played the game by the rules. He should have been awarded extra money for his charity for the role of good sportmanship as when the barbs would be flying he kept quiet and observed. True that in the world of business the dollar is the bottom line it was refreshing to see a person that has the celebertity that Trace has he also showed his heart and soul for his child and all childeren affilicted with food allergies. So in the end I would say that Trace won the heartfelt vote and if that was part of the criteria he would have been the next apprentice. Perhpaps the brit could bring awareness of fan to the uk and start helping out with this charity as with the money he could raise would surely get the education needed for these children to lead normal lives then he would be the correct celeberitt apprentice as he states they were all causes so come on piers share the wealth
Victor Seay says:
I also like Trace and his songs. I’m a new fan…and I wish now that I’d watched the show to see how he did! thanks for this article!
Diana says:
I had never heard of Trace until the Ladies Love Country Boys song. Loved it and Game ON. Im an Apprentice Fan and loved this celebrity apprentice. Trace really represented country music to the nth degree, class, sexiness, and sincerity. Ivanka isnt the only one that thinks he is eye candy lol. Great looking family also. WTG Trace! Winner in my book by a mile.
Elaine and Martina says:
Trace Rocks! My daughter and I were so disappointed that Trace did not win “celebrity Apprentice” because he was awesome and should have won. What a family man and a great person. We watched every episode and cheered for him from day one! We are now fans of his new album. His live performace of “your gonna miss this” was awesome, we immediately downloaded his music and now are huge fans. We may never watch Apprentice again since he didn’t win. We are big fans of his-poor choice Donald!!! Best to you Trace, your a winner in our book!
Sarah says:
I agree with the previous posts. Trace should have won. He had tact, dignity, and didn’t slam a person when they were down. During the post-boardroom “celebration” Trace held his tongue and walked away from distasteful situations. I think that Donald showed America that ultimately “money” is the ultimate decision maker—- A person who displays good work ethic, does their best, and is an effective and cooperative team player, will lose out to the one with the biggest rolodex… HMM!!! What kind of message does this send to our youngsters?
Erica says:
Too bad they didn’t let the fans vote. Trace would have taken the competition by strong force and would have never had to look back. He’s a true Southern gentleman with tact, grace, and humility. Maybe Piers can take a note or two. Way to go Trace, country fans (and now new fans b/c of the show) are behind you ALL THE WAY!
Erik says:
Trace was the true winner. Trump was right about Gene Simmons but so very wrong about Piers.
peggy says:
Trace was the winner. Anyone that is the kind of heartfelt person and family man that he is, is the true winner. He has always been and will always be my favorite country star and like others i will not watch the apprentice again unless they call trace back.
Jack says:
I’m not a huge country music fan, but I think the world of Trace Adkins. A great human being and full of class. I felt for him as he had to cater to BSB (backstreet boys), who had to have “wheat-grass juice” in their stupid contract rider?! What a bunch of pansies! Being a musician myself, I’ve played shows with the flu, colds sore muscles and the like, and I’ve never had such stupid demands. All in all, hats off to the big guy for showing everyone what having class is all about!!!
Valerie says:
Trace is such an inspiration to kids. He is such a gentleman and I just knew that Trump was going to pick Piers. If that man (no clue who he was…LOL) was not there bidding $100,000 each time. Trace would have won. Trace hold your head up high …YOU GOT THE AUDIENCE VOTE…by a long shot. Piers and Trump are two of a kind…..
PerSue says:
Hello CMT… If you decide that you are going to have a another season of Gone Country, may I suggest that you have Trace Adkins as the host and judge of the next round of celebrities. As a member of the Grand Old Opry with many country hits to his name, and having experience in reality TV with his accomplishments on The Celebrity Apprentice, Trace would make us proud again. I can see that he would participate more with the celebrity tasks for each episode, and would be a better judge of what we fans want to hear, rather than have an agenda. What do you think folks? Let’s hear it for Trace!!
SHEILA says:
trace should have won.i loved his daughtersand will make a contribution to his charity
Linda Berlin says:
I knew who Trace Adkins was, loved his video w/Rodney, but I didn’t know what a gentleman he truly is. I have also never responded to a blog, but I had to after watching every episode of The Celebrity Apprentice. Trace completely won me over! He is a man’s man, yet a Southern Gentleman as well. I have immense respect for him due to how he conducted himself. I also agree he should host Gone Country.
I hope he comes to Boise, ID. so I can see him live; I’m sure he puts on a wonderful concert.
Hedy says:
Trace Adkins doesn’t need to be anybody’s apprentice (Trump and Piers are two peas in a pod), he is the one people should look to to fashion themselves after. Someone who cares about others rather than the almighty dollar, someone who lifts people up instead of putting them down, someone who stands on his principles and holds to honor and ethics rather than dispense with them to win. One can win but how you win is what really makes a person someone you’d want to lead. Trace is that man.
Doug says:
TRACE LOST. Trace and America got their ass kicked. Deal with it losers.
mjayhill says:
Trace Adkins and Donald Trump? Yeah, that’s keeping it real.
Hey Trace, how about treating folks with a little more respect at your radio promo gigs? If that’s too hard without the cameras rolling, may I suggest a**hole rehab for you. I believe you were the one who came up with that idea. Or were you just talking out your toothless end again?
Larry says:
Trace seems like a nice guy, but Piers deserved to win. The point of the competition wasn’t who was the nicest guy, but who could raise the most money. Piers won hands down!
Nancy says:
My goodness, Mjay! Great language for someone who has a complaint about treating people with respect! A bit hypocritical, don’t ya think? And Doug, one person losing one reality game show hardly amounts to America getting anything kicked. It’s TV - DEAL WITH IT!
Well, one can certainly tell who are the Piers fans here. They’re the ones with the foul mouths and no respect for anyone.
I’d much rather support a ‘loser’ like Trace anyday. I think Hedy summed it up best; Trace doesn’t need to be someone’s apprentice. He instead teaches us that being honorable is better than being cutthroat, even if it doesn’t give any trophies.
Poor, poor message to send out to America’s youth, Mr. Trump! Money talks ~ integrity walks. I won’t be watching your show again, if that’s the lesson you are teaching your apprentices.
BTW, Trace, you may claim not to be a ‘pretty boy toy’, but like Ivanka, I think you’re pretty good eye candy too.
Linda says:
Both gentlemen raised money for great causes. In the end, everyone won.
If you feel that you would like to do something to support the one you would have chosen, put your money where your heart is…contribute to their cause.
DW Borro says:
I have always been a fan a Trace’s and of the Apprentice. I have to say the Donald had me hooked on this season. I think the premise of the finale was great and both Piers and Trace put on a great show. I am sorry Trace lost but you have to admit, Piers can find the cash when he needs to. http://www.dwborro.com
Jeannie Irving says:
I stubbled across Trace by accident but what I have found has been amazing and then seeing him on Apprentice, I realized their is a least one man who still has integrity, honesty and a strong moral compass. He is a dying breed I wish more men would emulate. Piers should of been evicted or fired long ago and I feel Trace was robbed of winning. He fulfilled all three tasked assigned to him not one, he had more people their vying for the acution, not three…he outshone Piers on all catagories. I feel Trump made a major mistake in his choice of winners, this man had no right in winning! Trace keep up the good work you do!
Bill Bristow says:
Trump you were wrong!. In todays world it is difficult to find a person with such class as Trace.Here is a man with the right stuff.Which you dont have Trump. Money maybe but not class. Keep your game on Trace.
Mary Lou says:
At the finale, Trace just needed to remind Trump when Piers was the PM it usually was Trace’s idea that brought a win on the task. Weekly it was not Piers’ roledex that kept him in the game, it was Trace and his fantastic ideas each week that made Piers successful. Gosh, my only question for Trace, “where was the call to Garth, George, Reba, and Vince?” Now THAT is a roledex!
nova2007scotia says:
What a beutiful write up and how true. We posted often on the Celebrity Apprentice website for Trace and on his sites and here of course. Trace made country music stand proud, pure and real as the music itself is. His quiet brilliance is well known among his fans as well as his dancing temper and my; even my kind old grandma would have lost it a time or two over some pretty ugly behavior. Trace made all country music and fans around the world shine and for once; I truly believe, The Donald (and I admire him) was actually on the side of the angels… for just a moment. Trace brought millions of us fans to watch celebrity apprentice and Lennox and Marilu (Evening Shade) were awesome. Thank you for your beautiful blog.
Patty says:
I’m not a big fan of country music although I do like some of it. After watching Trace Adkins on Celebrity Apprentice, I’ll be listening more - especially to him! What a classy guy! And did you see him melt when his wife and daughters came to see him? The idiot from England may hve won the competition but Trace won the hearts of all those who watched him. It seems Mr. Trump isn’t bothered at all by all of the outsourcing our country is doing. He just followed what all the big companies are doing - he gave his prize to a foreigner. You wonder why this country is in such sad shape?! It’s too bad someone like Trace Adkins doesn’t run this great land of ours. There’d be ALOT more compassion and integrity. He’s just a classy, intelligent, caring, respected and loving man. Trace, don’t change anything about yourself.
Lori says:
I personally don’t think Trump really wanted to choose Piers but he did based on his “numbers”. You could tell Trump had way more respect for Trace. I am so proud of Trace for all the reasons listed above … well, at least most of them. ;o)
Kathy Mapp says:
I have been a Trace Adkins fan for a long time and was so disappointed when he wasn’t named “Celebrity Apprentice”. Everyone, including Ivanka and Don Jr., obviously felt he was the better man. (unfortunately Donald thinks you have to be a jerk to be good in business!) Trace showed the special qualities that have made fans all over love him and we are all proud of him for that!!!! I don’t blame him for not wanting to do another reality show and I will never watch “The Apprentice” again. Donald Trump, you were wrong, wrong, wrong!!!!! Keep being yourself, Trace, and I will always be one of your biggest fans!!!!
Steve says:
I am a Trace fan also, however I feel that Donald made the correct decision. If this were a popularity contest Trace would have won. Clearly Piers out performed everyone on the show by a long shot. Trace did have a couple of good ideas, however a good ideas is just the 1st step in the business process. Piers played the game exactly how it was suppose to be played. If this were a popularity contest, I am sure Piers would have played the game much different. I could see in Donalds face that he really wanted to give it to Trace but he knew Piers was by far the clear winner. Donald did not want his show to turn into the American Idol, which has become a popularity contest and never is the best singer named the American Idol. I have never heard of Piers before this show, but have enjoyed Trace’s music for years, but I cannot overlook the results that Piers turned in just because I like Trace better. How would you feel if a coworker of yours received a promotion because the boss liked their personality better than yours even though you clearly outperformed them on the job. Think about it!
Congratulations to Trace and Piers for a job well done.
Susan says:
I have come to respect Trace Adkins more and more lately. After watching his overall performance on the Celebrity Apprentice, it is evident he has a moral compass, he has compassion and empathy, he has manners; he has everything a true gentleman has and more. With that being said, Piers was clearly the winner of this “game” and that’s exactly what it was, a game. He outperformed every other celebrity in terms of accruing money for his charity; which by the way was quite a worthy choice. He DID NOT outperform the other celebrities in personality, manners, empathy, or charm. In my opinion, he is not a true gentleman. Would I have preferred Trace to win, absolutely! Trace did win overall; he left with his Southern pride untarnished!! Way to go Trace; we love you!
Capt. Jim says:
Trace truely is a man’s man. I’m not into that man crush thing, but I’d be willing to bet there are a whole lot of gals that wish there were more men like him around… the strong silent type that can kick ass if needed but who also have a sensitive side. (Did you see him break down when his 2 little girls ran in?) Also I bet there are a lot of men that wish they were more like him. Don’t fret Trace, Donald isn’t your judge.
As your buddy Eddie Montgomery says “You ain’t gonna be my judge. Cuz my judge will judge us all one day. You do your thing, I’ll do mine!”
Keep up the good work & keep singing (forever please?)
Rick Giordily says:
Piers could raise money but I felt all throughout the series that he only cared about winning and being the big dog. He never once spoke about his charity with as much passion that Trace did. As a bona fide rocker, Trace earned my respect and a new fan for the way he portrayed himself. He’s no ac/dc but his performance on the finale sent chills down my spine. I will go out and buy all his albums tomorrow and send a donation to his charity.
NewsShooter says:
As a member of the media, I’ve interviewed Trace several times in conjunction with the CMA Awards. He is truly a class act that can’t be topped. I think he showed GREAT poise during this show and showed America that you don’t have to be a villain to get ahead (maybe just to finally win, though).
I am glad he was able to emerge with his morals intact. That will be more important than any title at the end of the day.
My favorite point in the show was when he had Heavyweight Champ Lennox Lewis give the fingernail polish to the BackStreet Boy. That must have been a humbling experience for the little guy. Hope they enjoyed their Wheatgrass juice!
Patty says:
Trace is such a good man. Let’s all contribute to his charity! I’d like to send Piers the jerk a bottle of black nail polish but don’t know how to, any ideas?
Robin says:
Too bad they didn’t let the public decide, because Trace, you were my winner by a long shot! Great work, and a huge thank you for representing the slow-talking, laid-back Southerners with such integrity, dignity and such SMARTS too! I was very impressed by your business-smarts and would love to work for you or sing back-up for you! You shined as you represented your charity and your Southern friends so well! Thank you from this KY country girl! And, thanks for opening my eyes to the BSB, who should be renamed, “The Spoiled Baby Boys”. Wheat grass, black nail polish, PA-Lease! Get a life! Thank you again, and it was a great season of the Celebrity Apprentice watching you on there! Robin in Southcentral KY
HugotheChinchilla says:
We are avid fans of the Apprentice, and this year when they decided to do a celebrity version it was even more intriguing because of the group they had. I have always liked Trace Adkins as an artist, however, it’s not that uncommon to only see celebrities we like in one dimension, so I didn’t think he was going to make it too far in the competition, however, week after week I was impressed with the ideas Trace would come up with as well as the way he handled all the drama in throughout the tasks and in the boardroom. Trace did a remarkable job representing his charity and coming across as a very genuine personality. While we felt bad that he was not the “official” winner in the end, he has definitely won in getting FAAN the attention they need as well as making many people re-think seeing country artists as “just hicks”.
http://www.hugothechinchilla.com
sandra Daniella says:
Easy to see why Real Men succeed, this Giant,- of A man having such kindness & compassion and yet- smart/savy tactics in dealing with =”Snakes”- What an amazing Man!
A brillant quiet manner- such dignity. Whom better to represent” Country” .
natasha says:
I feel the same way as most of the people who posted their comments. I hadn’t really ever heard of Trace Adkins until he did the apprentice & I fell in love with him immediatly, just the way he talks makes you melt. Donald made a big mistake by picking piers, I don’t plan to watch the show anymore. Wheter it will be with celebreties or regular people, I have lost all interest on the “Donald”.
Zeus Smith says:
Get your facts straight. Adkins is no saint. He was involved in a number of bar room incidents. He was also shot in the heart and lungs by his second wife (go figure why). Although, he denies abusing her but comments that the relationship was marked by excessive alcohol use. He has also been stabbed and beaten severely. In 2001, Adkins was charged with driving under the influence in Nolensville, Tennessee. The singer pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 11 months in jail, however, the sentence was suspended after 48 hours. In addition, he had to pay $350 in fines, and his driver’s license was suspended for one year. Go tell that to all those parents who lost children bec of drunk driving.
An all-american nice guy, southener or not, has only had 1 wife and a squeaky clean record.
Just like what Piers said, Trace is not really as nice as what people perceived him to be, plainly bec he played nice on this reality show series.
As for Piers, not because somebody is brutally frank, he is evil. He spoke the truth that people are in denial of. Just like telling Baldwin that a true Christian is not necessarily the one who brags about his “holiness” every 5 minutes!
yankeerebel says:
During the entire Celebrity Apprentice I was a Trace fan and I actually thought the finals should come down to Carol Alt and Trace. I was disappointed that Piers was the winner because it all came down to the Roledex. It didn’t matter how he treated people, it didn’t matter how cunning of a business mind he had nor did it matter how well he managed his team. It came down to money. If the only premise was a money total then Piers was the winner. If it was a combination of money earned AND the way people deserved to be treated in a business setting (as it should have been) Trace should have won hands down. My mottot is “nothing should ever be just about money”. Donald Trump should maybe consider that, too.
Hedy says:
If you take away the 3 $100,000 bids, it left Piers with only about 75,000 in auction made money,(which by the way was his area to concentrate on anyway) whereas Trace made about $64,000. Ticket sales were in Trace’s corner with $38,000 compared to Piers’s $12,000 and Trace had a lot of people coming from out of state. What friends Trace must have to drop everything at the drop of a hat to come help him out. Yes, I know Piers gave 20 tickets away but I really believe that was because he know he couldn’t sell them and what better reason to cover not being able to sell them. Where were all his friends? So taking away the “I’m in the spotlight because I donated $100 grand” money, Trace walked away selling more that night and if I might be so bold to say, I believe more money is being donated as I type to his cause (FANN)either via i tune downloads or country music radio. I wonder what that amount would come up to. The world may never know but FANN will.
Wynn says:
Growing up in southern California I do no listen to country music. I only know of Trace by way of his video Honky Tonk Badonkadonk and first impressions were not favorable based on the video. Needless to say I am now a fan of Trace as a man and as a person. Trace you have class and character. Though not immediately apparent I’m sure he will gain more by the way he acted than if he had played ruthlessly and had won.
TerryT says:
Trace my have not been a saint but I think he’s changed and I believe his 6 year old girl had something to do with that.
“An all-american nice guy, southener or not, has only had 1 wife and a squeaky clean record.” - Haven’t we all made mistakes and stumbles while trying to figure things out? We are human after all.
Parts of me wish I had seen the “old” Trace on the show. The Backstreet Boys needed a good beat down. Black nail polish!! What!
Cathie says:
I’ll admit it: before watching CA, I didn’t like Trace Adkins. Not one bit. Today, I’m a HUGE fan and I’m dying to see him in concert.
Trace represented himself, his charity and all of us from the South with grace, class and style. And now I’m totally hooked.
What an incredibly gracious and gentle man. He should be incredibly proud!
Brenda says:
I believe there are two reasons the Donald made Piers the apprentice and neither one had anything to do with the competition. One was because the people who gave the big money to Piers were friends of Mr. Trump. The other was because some of our wounded solders were on stage and how could he possibly choose “little children with peanut allergies” over our wounded vets? He thinks ahead and he was probably surmising what people would say. My opinion is that the soldiers were used by Piers in order to win. It was very sad to see them with all their injuries. Trace has done his part for our soldiers over the years. I wonder what Piers had done prior to the competition. Trace has won the hearts of millions who will continue to support him and his charity. Nobody cares where Piers goes from here.
Stewart says:
This was not a popularity competition, it’s the apprentice. I don’t think many of the above people have seen the show before. It’s about who Donald Trump would hire to work for him.
Trace did a good job but was in the background for the first half of the season. Piers stood out in pretty much every show. He was on the show to raise money not make friends.
I’m not sure how much Donald Trump is worth but I think he has made a few right decisions in his life and upset a few people to get the job done, which is how Piers played the game.
Ann says:
Piers won - plain and simple - because he knew how to take great ideas - Trace’s ideas included - and open up his substantional rolodex to ensure the other side did not have a chance at winning ..slaughter was his MO …
For the most part each celebrity that did not do that lost. This Apprentice version was not about who The Donald would hire but rather who could raise the most money for their charity … case closed … I would have loved to have seen Trace win … and if Faith and Tim, Reba,Garth, etc had been videoconferenced in to make bids or to offer themselves as “items” to be bid on the end may have been different …
can you track how many people watch a show says:
[...] Piers can find the cash ….. I don??t think many of the above people have seen the show before. …http://blog.cmt.com/2008-03-29/trace-adkins-had-his-game-on/Nielsen to track how many watch TV commercials — OrlandoSentinel.com… long wanted to know how [...]
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