Philbin-Trump CD kicks off holidays early

I won’t be surprised if the CD doesn’t fly off the music store shelves, but I’m interested to hear what Donald Trump’s appearance on “The Regis Philbin Christmas Album” sounds like.

Much like his Emmy Awards appearance with Megan Mullally of “Will & Grace” earlier this year, Trump doesn’t really sing, according to an Associated Press report.

During the duo’s Emmy Idol performance of the “Green Acres” theme song, The Donald won over the audience, but more with his character than his singing ability.

Substituting for Santa on Philbin’s version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Trump speaks his lines and tells Rudolph that his “qualifications are just right to guide my sleigh tonight.”

In boardroom style, Rudolph is hired while The Donald tells Blitzen, “You’re fired.”

As you know, I’m one of the biggest “Apprentice” fans around, but how far is this going to go?

The CD – which surprisingly doesn’t boast Trump’s name front and center – is available in stores now.

I realize it’s not even Thanksgiving, and some may be annoyed with Christmas talk so soon, but I have more holiday reality news.

The USA Network is holding casting calls for Scrooge, Mrs. Claus, and elves. Not really, but the network is looking for everyday people to share their Christmas stories for the newest holiday reality special, “The Great American Christmas.”

USA wants to hear from a selection of families and individuals whose Christmas stories will create a portrait of the many ways Americans celebrate the holiday season, including the holiday’s greatest moments and biggest obstacles.

The entry deadline has been extended to Nov. 15 (one sign that the show isn’t likely to be an annual affair), and applications are available at www.usanetwork.com.

If you’re meeting your in-laws for the first time, or are sick of the self-proclaimed family Scrooge, download the application, make a three- to five-minute video that tells a little bit about yourself and your holiday plans, and send a few photos of family and friends to the USA Network.