Final "Apprentice" Task Focuses on NYC2012  5/11/05

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES THIS WEEK ON NBC'S "THE APPRENTICE" AS TANA AND KENDRA COMPLETE TASKS AND BEGIN BOARDROOM BATTLE ENDING IN A CLIFFHANGER (MAY 12, 9-10PM ET)

Governor George Pataki, Rap Artist Fabolous and Olympians Bruce Jenner, Michael Phelps, Justin Gatlin, Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner Guest Star

NEW YORK -- May 11, 2005 -- For the first time in the history of NBC's "The Apprentice," Donald Trump will be hiring a female as Tana and Kendra continue their quest and enter the boardroom for the first time on the penultimate episode of NBC's "The Apprentice" (May 12, 9-10pm ET). The episode ends in a dramatic cliffhanger paving the way for the final showdown broadcasting live from NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (May 19, 9-10pm ET).

This week both Tana and Kendra run into pitfalls as they complete their final tasks. Tana, while running The NYC2012 Athlete Challenge, struggles to manage the hot tempers of Kristen, Chris and Brian and she has trouble locating an American Flag at a key moment. Kendra, who is in charge of The Best Buy Video Game Championship featuring "EA SportsTM Fight Night Round 2," is stuck with the challenge of getting Danny, Michael and Erin to maintain focus while also needing to appease PlayStation who had concerns with the design of the VIP room and threatened to pull their sponsorship.

New York Governor George Pataki joins Donald Trump at the opening of The NYC2012 Athlete Challenge, which is hosted by Bruce Jenner and features exhibitions from Olympians Michael Phelps, Justin Gatlin, Nadia Comaneci, and Bart Conner. Rap artist Fabolous serves as Master of Ceremonies at The Best Buy Video Game Championship.

"As they work to pull The Best Buy Video Game Championship event together, Kendra and her team definitely come to appreciate that live competitive gaming is a big deal for a lot of people today," says Jill Hamburger, vice president of movies, video games and toys at Best Buy. "Viewers of this week's episode will sense the energy and passion that's a big part of the gamer's experience."

" 'The Apprentice' is a wonderful vehicle to highlight New York's candidacy for the Games in 2012," said six-time Olympic Gold Medallist Michael Phelps. "Set in this wonderful City and viewed by millions, competition is at the center of this program and there is no better competitive event than the Olympic Games. Everyone will be in for some great fun and surprises this Thursday evening."

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is an innovative Fortune 100 growth company that continually strives to create superior customer experiences. Through more than 780 retail stores across the United States and in Canada, our employees connect customers with technology and entertainment products and services that make life easier and more fun. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services. A Minneapolis-based company, our operations include: Best Buy, Future Shop, Geek Squad and Magnolia Audio Video. We support our communities through employee volunteerism and grants from The Best Buy Children's Foundation.

About NYC2012

NYC2012 is the committee leading New York's bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. New York is competing against four other cities for the right to host the Olympic Games in 2012: London, Madrid, Moscow and Paris. The International Olympic Committee will name the Host City for the 2012 Games on July 6, 2005.

"The Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump and Jay Bienstock are executive producers. Conrad Riggs and Kevin Harris are co-executive producers. Al Berman is executive producer of the live finale.