Early in the casting process, Donald Trump mentioned that his wish list for the celebrity version of his business-skills reality show, The Apprentice, would include Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Britney Spears. That’s a no, no and no for The Donald.

While a very small handful of the celebrities who have been confirmed for the shows are recognizable, most are a rung or two below Paris, Nicole and Britney. So, for the most part, make that “E-List” celebrities, at best. None of them are of the tabloid, booze, and platform shoes set.

Here’s the list:

• Trace Adkins
• Carol Alt
• Stephen Baldwin
• Nadia Comaneci
• Tiffany Fallon
• Jennie Finch
• Nely Galan
• Marilu Henner
• Lennox Lewis
• Piers Morgan
• Omarosa
• Tito Ortiz
• Vincent Pastore
• Gene Simmons

What’s sad is that world-class athlete Nadia Comaneci is, by now, far less familiar to most viewers than former Apprentice diva Omarosa. Such is the circle of life in Hollywood.