Published on: 8th July, 2009
Michael Jackson’s flower bedecked gold casket was placed on the stage at his memorial service held in Staples Centre in Los Angeles. The casket was transported in a cavalcade under the supervision of the California Highway Patrol escort, as many sections were cordoned off to avert any blockages that might occur during peak morning hour. The mass memorial service was preceded by an intimate service for kin and those close to Jackson in a graveyard hall located in Hollywood Hills.
Celebs and lucky fans who got the tickets made an entry into the arena as they crossed the black carpet.
The service commenced with a speech from Smokey Robinson as he mentioned short doggerels from Nelson Mandela and Diana Ross.
Mariah Carey gave a heart rendering performance as she sang ‘I’ll Be There’ along with Trey Lorenz. Though Diana Ross, a maternal influence in Jackson’s life, whom Jackson has entrusted the care of his kids as a standby if his mother could not perform duties, was visibly absent in the memorial. Good friend-Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Rowe- Jackson’s former wife were not present on the occasion.
The front row chairs were occupied by the likes of Larry King, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Brooke Shields, Lou Ferrigno amongst many other famed celebs who graced the occasion.
Magic Johnson reminisced how Jackson polished off some Colonel Sanders. Brooke Shields was just thirteen when the two became thick of friends and how pure their friendship was, describing Michael as the curious kid who always had a host of queries in the offing. Brooke Shields couldn’t control her tears as she mentioned Jackson’s favoured song ‘Smile’ of Charlie Chaplin, as she urged everyone to try to do just that.
Jackson’s three children Paris, Michael Jr and Prince II were present at the memorial as they were seen acknowledging Reverend Al Sharpton speech. Paris-Michael gave a soul stirring speech as she described how good a dad Jackson was and how much she loved him, as aunt Janet Jackson clutched her tightly.
Queen Latifah read a unique elegy scripted by Maya Angelou. Lionel Richie gave the most spectacular performance as he sang ‘Jesus is Love’. There were memorable performances by Jermaine Jackson, Jennifer Hudson who performed ‘Will you be there’, John Mayer and Stevie Wonder. Usher’s soul felt performance ‘Gone Too Soon’ that was written by Jackson was truly exceptional.
Homage was paid by basket ball star Kobe Bryant, Motown initiator-Berry Gordy, Martin Luther King’s children amongst many who lauded the King of Pop.
The celeb brigade that attended included Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Martin Luther King III with sister Bernice, Kobe Bryant, John Mayer, U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, the Kardashian sisters, Jennifer Judson and Chris Brown.
The service concluded with the Jackson kin coming on stage as the choir sang ‘Heal the World’ with Rev. Smith professing how Jackson’s music united one and all, as Jackson’s casket was carried away from the venue.
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