Courtesy of Carla Hay - Examiner.com

In the first “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice,” country singer Trace Adkins was declared the winner, and he received the grand prize of $250,000 for his charity of choice: the American Red Cross. (Second place went to magician Penn Jillette.) “The Celebrity Apprentice,” which is executive produced and hosted by Donald Trump (who chooses the winner), features celebrities competing for their selected charities. Adkins was named the winner in a live season finale that NBC televised on May 19, 2013. The season finale’s after-party was held at Cipriani in New York City’s midtown Manhattan. I had a chance to briefly interview several of the stars at the after-party. Here is what this “Celebrity Apprentice” star said…

You accidentally injured one of your fingers. How is it doing now?

The finger is still funky. [He says joking] I think there may be a lawsuit.

Unlike a lot of “Celebrity Apprentice” contestants who engage in a lot of backstabbing, you took full responsibility for failing at a task as project manager. Is that in your nature?

It really is. I know it’s not good for reality TV… I’ve just got to be myself. When I screwed up, I couldn’t put the blame on anybody else.

What’s the best advice that you have for up-and-coming musicians?

I have a tattoo that is in Latin that translates to “Never le the bastards wear you down.” Believe in yourself.

What’s next for you?

I wrote a musical. We just had a reading this week, which was awesome, for producers and theater owners. We’re hoping to be on the road with it in 2014 and bring it to Broadway in 2015.