Despite Larry King's repeated (and very enthusiastic) assurances that we had Justin Bieber to look forward to, the 16-year-old sensation was not the reason Robert Redford, Ryan Seacrest, Cameron Diaz, Chelsea Handler, Harry Connick Jr., Alyssa Milano and Ian Somerhalder all flocked to CNN tonight.
No, they—plus many more—were on hand for the two-hour telethon special Disaster in the Gulf: How You Can Help, hosted by King to benefit those hit hardest by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The more than $1 million raised Monday was earmarked for the United Way, the National Wildlife Foundation and the Nature Conservancy.
Seacrest presided over the Social Suite, where Handler (wo)manned the phones with Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Richie, L.A. Laker Ron Artest and Ne-Yo, who barely looked up from the task at hand.
Not so McCarthy, who teased Ryan about a supposed email she got requesting that she and the E! News anchor reproduce.
Kathy Griffin and Giuliana Rancic took turns giving updates from yet another in-studio phone bank fronted by Ted Danson, Pete Wentz, Edward James Olmos and Victoria Principal.
Ivanka Trump, Trace Adkins and Aaron Neville were among the familiar faces taking calls in New York.
Sting dedicated his via-satellite performance of "Fragile" with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra to the cause. Indie.Arie and Herbie Hancock also paired up for a rendition of "Imagine," which closed out the show.
And then there was Justin Bieber, of course, who did indeed offer up one of tonight's celebrity testimonials, prompting a rave review from King.
Among the ways you can help out:
• Go to CNN.com/Impact
• Text "COAST" to 50555 to donate $10
• Follow #CNNHelpGulf on Twitter
• Go to Facebook.com/LarryKingLive