Lady Gaga donating $1 million to Sandy relief

Lady Gaga has pledged to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts stemming from superstorm Sandy's assault on the East Coast.

"If it wasn't for NYC: the Lower Eastside, Harlem, the Bronx and Brooklyn, I would not be the woman or artist that I am today," the "Born This Way" singer, a native New Yorker, wrote on her website Wednesday.

"New York is relentless ambition, a drive to succeed, a place where there is a natural pursuit of diversity through compassion," she continued. "Please accept this gift on behalf of myself, my parents Joe and Cynthia, and my sister Natali; with our deepest gratitude New York for raising us. Thank you for helping me build my spirit. I will now help you rebuild yours."

The 26-year-old joins a list of stars stepping up to help with relief efforts.

Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Christina Aguilera and others performed at an hour-long NBC benefit concert last week that brought in nearly $23 million in donations to the American Red Cross.

ABC's "Day of Giving" raised nearly $17 million -- including a $250,000 donation from Barbara Walters and $50,000 from George Stephanopoulos -- for the organization.

MTV is also planning a fundraiser, to air on Nov. 15, called "Restore the Shore." The cast of the network's reality series "Jersey Shore" is set to attend, and have already expressed their support for the area that made them famous.

Others include Russell Crowe, who tweeted that he made charitable donations "In honor of Seth & L.I Coast Guard & friends on Staten Island," and "Chelsea Lately" host Chelsea Handler, who said on her show that she would donate $100,000 to help victims of Sandy.