Rocker BRET MICHAELS, despite a life-threatening illness, won "The Celebrity Apprentice" last night (5/22) when DONALD TRUMP faced him and HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE and said, "HOLLY, I have to tell you, we all love you. And BRETT, I have to tell you -- you're hired."

"You've done an amazing job in every single way," TRUMP said before making the "hire." "A little flaky, but that's OK. You've also proven -- to be very brave. I appreciate that."

MSNBC reports MICHAELS' appearance on the finale included live and taped segments. His being there was in question after he suffered a brain hemorrhage in April (NET NEWS 4/23) and was hospitalized again recently after suffering what doctors called a setback (NET NEWS 5/23). He faces surgery for a hole in his heart.

TRUMP asked MICHAELS if he was risking his life by coming on the finale against his doctors' advice, to which he replied, "Lately it seems like me just standing me up is risking my life.  Courtesy of allaccess.com