NBC's Hurricane Sandy Telethon Draws $23M in Pledges

NBC's benefit concert for Superstorm Sandy victims drew nearly $23 million in donations to the American Red Cross, the network announced Sunday.

New Jersey natives Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi and Billy Joel of New York's Long Island were among the performers at Friday's hour-long telethon. Others who took part in the special included Sting, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige and comedians Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon.

During the telethon, which was filmed at NBC’s studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, NBC News anchor Brian Williams and "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart also told off their youth growing up in New Jersey. “Today” show anchor Matt Lauer hosted the event.

Pledges made by phone and online totaled $22.9 million, NBCUniversal and the American Red Cross said.

Hurricane Sandy was responsible for the death of more than 100 people in 10 states and the storm has caused widespread damage and power outages. The cost of the recovery has been estimated at $50 billion.