Bruce Springsteen opens starred-packed 'Jersey 4 Jersey' benefit show with 'Land of Hopes and Dreams'

Jon Bon Jovi followed, noting, "Tonight we are here to entertain you. We're all looking for that virtual hug." 

He performed "Do What You Can," a new song about the coronavirus pandemic. The song dwells on the hardships of the past few months but ultimately ends on a positive note. "We're going to get through this together until I see you once again," he sang. 

Comedian Jon Stewart loved on New Jersey, referring to the state as the "land of the Jersey Freeze and a good haircut."  He added that he’s always proud to call him himself a New Jerseyan, saying “I am never more proud of this state than when our backs are against the wall.”

Actor Danny DeVito also made an appearance on the broadcast, noting "it stinks" to be quarantined before going into a lighthearted story about growing up in Asbury Park. 

“What keeps me sane is thinking about Asbury,” he said.

Fountains of Wayne honored its late band mate, Adam Schlesinger, who died on April 1 following complication from COVID-19. They performed "Hackensack" with Sharon Van Etten filling in for Schlesinger on bass. The band was introduced by comedian Stephen Colbert, who had worked with Schlesinger on his 2009 Christmas comedy album, "The Greatest Gift of All!" 

New Jersey has been among the states hit hardest by the coronavirus. Nearly 100,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19. More than 5,000 have died. 

The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund is raising money to support the state's most pressing needs. All donations will be funneled to organizations and services on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis in hopes of lessening its economic, medical and social impact. 

Other popular artists performed songs for the event, including SZA, Halsey and Charlie Puth. 

Springsteen and Bon Jovi closed the concert, performing acoustic versions "Jersey Girl," a cover of Tom Waits' original, and "Livin' on a Prayer," respectively.