A-list celebrities came out in droves on Monday night to take part in the "Hand in Hand" hurricane relief benefit, which raised more than $44 million for the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

During the telethon, Stephen Colbert announced that Apple was donating $5 million and Jimmy Fallon added that Albertsons Cos. and Merck each gave $1 million.

NBA star Chris Paul also said that the NBA Players Association, which donated $500,000, would match any professional basketball player's donation up to $20,000.

PHOTO: Justin Timberlake attends Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief at Universal Studios AMC on Sept. 12, 2017 in Universal City, Calif. (Kevin Mazur/Hand in Hand/Getty Images) More

"We come together today to love on people that have been devastated by the hurricanes," Stevie Wonder, who sang "Lean on Me," said at the start of the telethon. "When love goes into action, it preferences no color of skin, no ethnicity, no religious beliefs, no sexual preferences, and no political persuasions. It just loves."

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PHOTO: Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Kerry Washington attend Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief at Universal Studios AMC on Sept. 12, 2017 in Universal City, Calif. (Kevin Mazur/Hand in Hand/Getty Images) More

Throughout the hour-long benefit, which was broadcast on four networks, including ABC, celebrities stressed the importance of unity. However, the current politic climate was referenced at several points. In video addresses, Drake admitted that that news cycle recently has been "extremely overwhelming," while Beyonce noted that, "it's impossible to watch the news without seeing violence or racism in this country."

"Just when you think it couldn’t possibly get worse, natural disasters take take precious life, do massive damage, and forever change lives, leaving behind contaminated water, flooded hospitals, schools, and nursing homes and countless families are now homeless," she continued. “Natural disasters don’t discriminate. They don’t see if you’re an immigrant, black or white, Hispanic or Asian, Jewish or Muslim, wealthy or poor. It doesn’t matter if you’re from [Houston neighborhoods] Third Ward or River Oaks, we’re all in this together.”

PHOTO: Usher and Blake Shelton perform onstage during Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief at the Grand Ole Opry House on Sept. 12, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. (John Shearer/Hand in Hand/Getty Images) More

What a powerful and beautiful night it was. ???? #HandInHand Continue to donate at: https://t.co/HxImEwwhu9 pic.twitter.com/tISMGZMREx — iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) September 13, 2017

Beyonce, a Houston native, also touched on climate change, pointing out other natural disasters that have taken place around the world in the past few weeks, including flooding in India and an earthquake in Mexico. Wonder also discussed the issue, and had harsh words for climate change deniers.

"Anyone who believes that there is no such thing as global warming must be blind or unintelligent," he said.

The telethon was also punctuated by stars including Kerry Washington, Sean "Diddy" Combs; Oprah Winfrey and Cher; and Justin Timberlake telling stories of those who were directly impacted by the hurricanes, as well as performances in locations around the country. In Nashville, Usher and Blake Shelton sang "Stand By Me," while George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett sang "Texas" and "I Believe" from San Antonio. Other performances included Luis Fonsi and Tori Kelly singing "Hallelujah," Brad Paisley, Demi Lovato, Darius Rucker, Cece Winans performing "With a Little Help from My Friends," and Dave Matthews singing "Mercy."

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