Between Kristen Stewart, Kanye West, and Alicia Keys, it seemed as if half of Hollywood was involved in Dec. 12′s incredible 12.12.12 Hurricane Sandy benefit concert!

Hollywood and the music community always find ways to come together after a horrific disaster befalls the country, and Dec. 12′s 12.12.12: The Concert for Sandy Relief was no exception. Stars like Kristen Stewart, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Bruce Springsteen came together for an incredible evening of music in the hopes of raising considerable funds necessary for relief from Hurricane Sandy’s destruction.

The program opened with stark footage of the disaster itself, before highlighting the goodness that was found in communities in the following days. It was a truly moving montage.

Bruce and the E Street Band opened the show in MSG, naturally. After a short set, Jon Bon Jovi joined the Boss onstage to duet on “Born To Run”.

Billy Crystal was the first celebrity to speak, cracking a few jokes, introducing Governors Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo, and explaining that each celebrity to speak would talk about a particular area hit hard by the storm, beginning with his hometown of Long Island.

Following Susan Surandon‘s introduction of the celebrity phone bank, Roger Waters and Eddie Vedder took the stage together for a great set.

Adam Sandler and Paul Schaffer took the stage to perform a re-worked version of Leonard Cohen‘s “Hallelujah” with lyrics dedicated to New York. Following, Brian Williams chatted with Ben Stiller back in the celebrity phone bank.

Kristen spoke about the devastation experienced in the state of New Jersey, before introducing Bon Jovi for a set of rock. Springsteen returned the favor and teamed up for a song here, too.

Jon Stewart stepped out to speak about Seaside Heights and the Jersey Shore. He then introduced Eric Clapton, who performed a set of hits.

Jimmy Fallon spoke about Coney Island and introduced rock legends The Rolling Stones. Mick and Co. took the stage for a rollicking set of their greatest hits. After the superstars left the stage, Stephen Colbert, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Olivia Wilde all spoke, before introducing Alicia. The songstress looked stunning in a red dress as she began her set at the piano.

Following Alicia’s set, Steve Buscemi appeared to personally thank the FDNY and all of the first responders, talk about the Rockaways, and introduce The Who. The legendary rockers took the stage for a typically terrific set.

The highlight of an evening of highlights, however, was Kanye’s performance — as if there was any doubt. The rap legend performed his remix of Rihanna‘s “Diamonds” (though there was no surprise appearance from the singer!) with his own hits like “Touch The Sky” and “All Of The Lights”.

Of course, the Paul McCartney performance with the remaining members of Nirvana (together for the first time in quite a long time!) wasn’t anything to shake a stick at, either.

All in all, it was a terrific night for a terrific cause!

What was your favorite moment in the 12.12.12 benefit concert, HollywoodLifers?

– Billy Nilles

More 12.12.12: The Concert for Sandy Relief News:

1. Kristen Stewart Gets Charitable At 12.12.12 Benefit Concert
2. 12-12-12 Concert Preview: Kanye West, Alicia Keys & More
3. Kristen Stewart Excited To Be Part Of Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert