Stars of the show included New Jersey natives like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, along with stars like Sting, Jimmy Fallon, Billy Joel, Mary J. Bilge, Steven Tyler, Jon Stewart, Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Bacon, Tina Fey and Christina Aguilera.
Aguilera opened the show on NBC saying, “I was born in Staten Island. Four days ago, Hurricane Sandy came through and devastated it… we will do whatever we can to help, we will not leave anyone behind.” Almost half the deaths from Hurricane Sandy are from the New York City borough.
Aguilera opened with “You Are What You Are,” followed by Bon Jovi singing “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
The proceeds of the show would go to American Red Cross to help the victims of Sandy and help in rebuilding. While Joel performed “Miami 2017,” Sting sung “Message in a Bottle.” Springsteen and the E Street Band wrapped up the show with Springsteen saying, “God bless New York, God bless the Jersey Shore.”
Other wide-hearted singers included Tyler, who with Aerosmith, performed “Dream On” and with Fallon sang “On the Boardwalk” which was joined by Joel and Springsteen.
The artists overwhelmed the audience with their solidarity in support of the victims of Sandy and a show of the remarkable American spirit to overcome challenges and difficulties against insurmountable odds.