The Ultimate Merger
Encyclopedia
Donald J. Trump Presents The Ultimate Merger is an American reality television
dating game show
. A spin-off of The Apprentice
, the series premiered on TV One on June 17, 2010. Notably, The Ultimate Merger is the first reality dating series to feature contestants who are almost entirely from the African American professional class
. The series' first season starred Omarosa
(née Manigault), a low-level staffer whose job was answering invitations in the office of then-Vice President Al Gore
during the Clinton Administration
, and who in 2004 appeared on the first season of The Apprentice, another American reality series.
Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on August 4, 2011, starring former America's Next Top Model
and Celebrity Fit Club
contestant Toccara Jones
.
and The Apprentice. Twelve men selected by real estate mogul Donald Trump
(host and co-executive producer of The Apprentice) compete for the affections of Omarosa, the former political consultant who has become the most infamous Apprentice contestant. Omarosa receives assistance in the selection process from her spiritual advisor Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant
, pastor of the Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church in Baltimore
, Maryland. Other personalities appearing on the series include comedians George Wallace
and Loni Love
, TV chef G. Garvin, author Karrine Steffans
, and Apprentice alumni Katrina Campins, Troy McClaine and Nick Warnock.
While on the show, the contestants live together in a huge suite at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. In each episode, they are directed to participate in a mental or physical challenge designed to gauge each man's potential compatibility with Omarosa. The winner(s) of each challenge attend a date with her later that evening. Subsequently, the contestants must gather in the "Mediation Room", where Omarosa (assisted by Dr. Bryant or another celebrity guest) questions several of the contestants regarding their actions and attitudes while on the show. One or more contestants is then selected for elimination by Omarosa, and that man must immediately leave Trump International and the show.
This process resulted in one man, R&B singer Ray Lavender, remaining as the potential beau for Omarosa. However, because Lavender was legally separated at the time (and thus technically still married), he was eliminated as well -- and Omarosa was left with no one.
Soon after the first season finale, Omarosa publicly revealed that she was in a new relationship with Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Clarke Duncan
.
Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, who prefers to use only her first name, is a former political consultant who worked for then-Vice President Al Gore
during the Clinton Administration
. She was a contestant on the first season of The Apprentice
, where she was "fired" in Week 9 of the 15 week process. She returned for the series' seventh season
(the first incarnation of The Celebrity Apprentice), but was "fired" once again in Week 10. In 2000, she married Aaron Stallworth, but the two separated in 2005 and later divorced.
Ray is a 33-year-old R&B singer originally from Monroe
, Louisiana, now residing in Atlanta, Georgia. Eliminated in episode 8.
Al B. Sure!
Al B. Sure! is a 41-year-old R&B recording artist from Mount Vernon
, New York, best known for his 1988 single "Nite and Day
". He and Omarosa have dated previously. Eliminated in episode 8.
Charles Parker
Charles is a 43-year-old foreign currency trader from Washington, D.C. He and Omarosa have dated previously. Voluntarily leaves the show for personal reasons in episode 4. Returns -- and is eliminated -- in episode 8.
Isaac Keys
Isaac is a 32-year-old former NFL
football player from St. Louis, Missouri, now residing in Los Angeles, California. Eliminated in episode 7.
Lyle Silva
Lyle is a 36-year-old attorney originally from New Bedford
, Massachusetts, now residing in Bowie
, Maryland. Eliminated in episode 7.
Javis Dortch
Javis is a 34-year-old entrepreneur originally from Jersey City
, New Jersey, now residing in Douglasville
, Georgia
. Eliminated in episode 6.
C.J. Miller
C.J. is a 27-year-old author/model from Los Angeles, California. In 2009, he appeared as a contestant on the first season of the reality series True Beauty
. Eliminated in episode 5.
Michael Madd
Michael is a 29-year-old concert promoter from New York, New York. Eliminated in episode 4.
Eddy Puyol
Eddy is a 30-year-old Christian rapper from Miami, Florida, now residing in Palm Beach Gardens
, Florida. Eliminated in episode 3.
Sterling Williams
Sterling is a 42-year-old fashion designer from Los Angeles, California. Eliminated in episode 3.
Jason Mitchell
Jason is a 30-year-old massage therapist from New York, New York. Eliminated in episode 2.
Darrell Kiedo
Darrell is a 40-year-old movie producer from Memphis
, Tennessee. He is the author of the book The Black Actor's Guide to Not Working in Hollywood, which was published in 2003. Eliminated in episode 1.
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
dating game show
Dating game show
Dating game shows are television game shows, some say reality game shows, that incorporate a dating system in the form of a game with clear rules. Human matchmaking is involved only in selecting the game's contestants - usually for amusement value as opposed to any concern for their happiness or...
. A spin-off of The Apprentice
The Apprentice (U.S. TV series)
The Apprentice is an American reality television show hosted by real estate magnate, businessman and television personality Donald Trump, created by Mark Burnett and broadcast on NBC...
, the series premiered on TV One on June 17, 2010. Notably, The Ultimate Merger is the first reality dating series to feature contestants who are almost entirely from the African American professional class
Black middle class
The black middle class, within the United States, refers to African Americans who occupy a middle class status within the American class structure. It is predominately a development that arose after the 1960s, during which the African American Civil Rights Movement led to reform movements aimed at...
. The series' first season starred Omarosa
Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth
Omaroseonee Manigault-Stallworth , usually known simply as Omarosa, is a two-time participant on Donald Trump's television reality show The Apprentice.-Early life:Manigault-Stallworth was born in Youngstown, Ohio...
(née Manigault), a low-level staffer whose job was answering invitations in the office of then-Vice President Al Gore
Al Gore
Albert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
during the Clinton Administration
Presidency of Bill Clinton
The United States Presidency of Bill Clinton, also known as the Clinton Administration, was the executive branch of the federal government of the United States from January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001. Clinton was the first Democratic president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a second full term...
, and who in 2004 appeared on the first season of The Apprentice, another American reality series.
Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on August 4, 2011, starring former America's Next Top Model
America's Next Top Model
America's Next Top Model is a reality television show in which a number of women compete for the title of America's Next Top Model and a chance to start their career in the modeling industry....
and Celebrity Fit Club
Celebrity Fit Club
Celebrity Fit Club is a reality television series that follows eight overweight celebrities as they try to lose weight for charity. Split into two competing teams of four, each week teams are given different physical challenges, and weighed to see if they reached their target weights...
contestant Toccara Jones
Toccara Jones
Toccara Jones from Dayton, Ohio, is an American fashion model, occasional actress and television personality. Jones was a contestant on the third season of the UPN series America's Next Top Model, where she finished in seventh place....
.
Show format
The format of The Ultimate Merger is reminiscent of two previous reality series, The BacheloretteThe Bachelorette
The Bachelorette is a spin-off of the American competitive reality dating game show The Bachelor. In its January 2003 debut on ABC, the first season featured Trista Rehn, the runner-up date from the first season of The Bachelor, offering the opportunity for Rehn to choose a husband among 25 bachelors...
and The Apprentice. Twelve men selected by real estate mogul Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, Sr. is an American business magnate, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have...
(host and co-executive producer of The Apprentice) compete for the affections of Omarosa, the former political consultant who has become the most infamous Apprentice contestant. Omarosa receives assistance in the selection process from her spiritual advisor Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant
Jamal Harrison Bryant
Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant. is an African-American preacher and pastor of the Empowerment Temple AME Church in his hometown of Baltimore...
, pastor of the Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church in Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, Maryland. Other personalities appearing on the series include comedians George Wallace
George Wallace (comedian)
George Henry Wallace is an American comedian and actor. He is number 93 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time.-Early life:...
and Loni Love
Loni Love
Loni Love is an American comedian and actress. After quitting her job as an electrical engineer in 2003, Love began to pursue a career in stand up comedy...
, TV chef G. Garvin, author Karrine Steffans
Karrine Steffans
Karrine Steffans is an American author, most notably of the Vixen series of books. She has worked as an actress and as a hip hop model, having appeared in more than 20 music videos, many by multiplatinum-selling rap artists...
, and Apprentice alumni Katrina Campins, Troy McClaine and Nick Warnock.
While on the show, the contestants live together in a huge suite at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. In each episode, they are directed to participate in a mental or physical challenge designed to gauge each man's potential compatibility with Omarosa. The winner(s) of each challenge attend a date with her later that evening. Subsequently, the contestants must gather in the "Mediation Room", where Omarosa (assisted by Dr. Bryant or another celebrity guest) questions several of the contestants regarding their actions and attitudes while on the show. One or more contestants is then selected for elimination by Omarosa, and that man must immediately leave Trump International and the show.
This process resulted in one man, R&B singer Ray Lavender, remaining as the potential beau for Omarosa. However, because Lavender was legally separated at the time (and thus technically still married), he was eliminated as well -- and Omarosa was left with no one.
Soon after the first season finale, Omarosa publicly revealed that she was in a new relationship with Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Clarke Duncan
Michael Clarke Duncan
Michael Clarke Duncan is an American actor, best known for his breakout role as John Coffey in The Green Mile, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.- Early life :...
.
Participants
OmarosaOmarosa Manigault-Stallworth, who prefers to use only her first name, is a former political consultant who worked for then-Vice President Al Gore
Al Gore
Albert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
during the Clinton Administration
Presidency of Bill Clinton
The United States Presidency of Bill Clinton, also known as the Clinton Administration, was the executive branch of the federal government of the United States from January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001. Clinton was the first Democratic president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a second full term...
. She was a contestant on the first season of The Apprentice
The Apprentice (U.S. TV series)
The Apprentice is an American reality television show hosted by real estate magnate, businessman and television personality Donald Trump, created by Mark Burnett and broadcast on NBC...
, where she was "fired" in Week 9 of the 15 week process. She returned for the series' seventh season
The Apprentice (U.S. Season 7)
The Celebrity Apprentice is the seventh installment of the United States version of the reality television series, The Apprentice. This season features celebrity candidates vying for the title of Donald Trump's, "Best Business Brain," as a way to revitalize the series, with the winner donating...
(the first incarnation of The Celebrity Apprentice), but was "fired" once again in Week 10. In 2000, she married Aaron Stallworth, but the two separated in 2005 and later divorced.
Contestants
Ray LavenderRay is a 33-year-old R&B singer originally from Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe is a city in and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 53,107, making it the eighth largest city in Louisiana. A July 1, 2007, United States Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 51,208, but 51,636...
, Louisiana, now residing in Atlanta, Georgia. Eliminated in episode 8.
Al B. Sure!
Al B. Sure! is a 41-year-old R&B recording artist from Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, New York
Mount Vernon is a city in Westchester County, New York, United States. It lies on the border of the New York City borough of The Bronx.-Overview:...
, New York, best known for his 1988 single "Nite and Day
Nite and Day
"Nite and Day" is a 1988 single by Al B. Sure! from the Warner Bros. album In Effect Mode. It reached number seven on the Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart....
". He and Omarosa have dated previously. Eliminated in episode 8.
Charles Parker
Charles is a 43-year-old foreign currency trader from Washington, D.C. He and Omarosa have dated previously. Voluntarily leaves the show for personal reasons in episode 4. Returns -- and is eliminated -- in episode 8.
Isaac Keys
Isaac is a 32-year-old former NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
football player from St. Louis, Missouri, now residing in Los Angeles, California. Eliminated in episode 7.
Lyle Silva
Lyle is a 36-year-old attorney originally from New Bedford
New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, located south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and about east of Fall River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 95,072, making it the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts...
, Massachusetts, now residing in Bowie
Bowie, Maryland
Bowie is a city in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. The population was 54,727 at the 2010 census. Bowie has grown from a small railroad stop to the largest municipality in Prince George's County, and the fifth most populous city and third largest city by area in the state of...
, Maryland. Eliminated in episode 7.
Javis Dortch
Javis is a 34-year-old entrepreneur originally from Jersey City
Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is the seat of Hudson County, New Jersey, United States.Part of the New York metropolitan area, Jersey City lies between the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay across from Lower Manhattan and the Hackensack River and Newark Bay...
, New Jersey, now residing in Douglasville
Douglasville, Georgia
The city of Douglasville is the county seat of Douglas County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 30,961...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. Eliminated in episode 6.
C.J. Miller
C.J. is a 27-year-old author/model from Los Angeles, California. In 2009, he appeared as a contestant on the first season of the reality series True Beauty
True Beauty (TV series)
True Beauty is the first season of the ABC reality television series True Beauty. The contestants are competing to see who is the most beautiful. However, they think they are only being tested on outer beauty. The show is hosted by three judges: Nolé Marin, Cheryl Tiegs, and Vanessa Minnillo who...
. Eliminated in episode 5.
Michael Madd
Michael is a 29-year-old concert promoter from New York, New York. Eliminated in episode 4.
Eddy Puyol
Eddy is a 30-year-old Christian rapper from Miami, Florida, now residing in Palm Beach Gardens
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Palm Beach Gardens is a city in Palm Beach County in the U.S. state of Florida. The city is in the center of a rapidly-developing area north of West Palm Beach in the northern part of the county and the South Florida metropolitan area. , the population was 48,452...
, Florida. Eliminated in episode 3.
Sterling Williams
Sterling is a 42-year-old fashion designer from Los Angeles, California. Eliminated in episode 3.
Jason Mitchell
Jason is a 30-year-old massage therapist from New York, New York. Eliminated in episode 2.
Darrell Kiedo
Darrell is a 40-year-old movie producer from Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
, Tennessee. He is the author of the book The Black Actor's Guide to Not Working in Hollywood, which was published in 2003. Eliminated in episode 1.