Jackson Tribute: The King of Pops
PhotosMichael Jackson's daughter Paris outshone the stars at his memorial last night as tears and tributes flowed to the King of Pop.
The 11-year-old, comforted by the Jackson family, sobbed as she made her public debut in front of 17,000 fans in Los Angeles - with an estimated billion more tuning in worldwide.
Standing in front on her father's gold-plated coffin, she said: "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much."
Paris was given the microphone after taking part in the final tribute song on stage alongside her two brothers Prince Michael Jackson II (also known as Blanket) and Prince Michael Jackson I.
A host of the world's biggest stars took part in the glittering memorial ceremony - but it was the children who made the greatest impression on the night.
12-year-old Welsh schoolboy Shaheen Jafargholi won a standing ovation from the packed stadium.
Shaheen, a former Britain's Got Talent contestant, delighted the crowd with his performance of the Jackson Five hit Who's Lovin You?
Afterwards, he said: "I love Michael Jackson. I just want to thank him for blessing me and everyone on this earth with his amazing music."
Choreographer Kenny Ortega praised the youngster and revealed that the King of Pop had personally requested his appearance in his London concerts after watching the child on Britain's Got Talent.
Former South African president Nelson Mandela and singer Diana Ross had led tributes to Jackson at Los Angeles' Staples Centre.
Praising Jackson for triumphing over tragedy in his life, Mr Mandela said in a message read out by Smokey Robinson: "Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry and we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide."
Many in the audience were visibly upset at the sight of the coffin. Fans were seen breaking down in tears as the body was brought in as the Andrae Crouch Choir sang on stage.
The event, billed as the biggest celebrity send-off in history, ran at least 30 minutes longer than scheduled after Mariah Carey opened proceedings with a rendition of the Jackson Five's ballad I'll Be There, alongside Trey Lorenz.
Usher, the RnB singer who identified Jackson as his greatest inspiration, caused a stir among the crowd by becoming the first artist to touch Jackson's coffin.
After breaking down in tears singing Gone Too Soon, he was embraced by Jackson family members as he was led away from the stage.
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, earned a roar of approval from the crowd when he said Jackson was "quite simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived".
Before the packed Staples Centre joined in several minutes' silence for the star, singer Smokey Robinson read out messages from Diana Ross and Mr Mandela.
A message from Ross said: "Michael wanted me to be there for his children and I will be there if they ever need me - I hope today brings closure for all those who loved him.
"I send my love and condolences to the Jackson family - Diana Ross."
Mr Mandela added: "We also mourn with his friends and his family for the loss of our dear friend (who) we will miss and memories of him cherish for a very long time.
"My wife and I, our family and friends, send you our condolences during this time. Be strong."
Actress Brooke Shields, who first met Jackson when she was 13, broke down in tears throughout the event.
Describing Jackson as "pure", she said: "He was often referred to as the King but the Michael that I knew was always the little prince.
"Michael saw everything with his heart."
She said Jackson's favourite song was Smile.
Referring to the lyrics "smile though your hearts are aching", she said: "Today, though our hearts are aching, we need to look up and we need to smile."
After her emotional speech, Jackson's older brother Jermaine, wearing a white glove, sang Smile to rapturous applause.
After actress Jennifer Hudson, whose own life was hit by tragedy, sang Jackson's hit You're Always In My Heart, the Reverend Al Sharpton suggested Jackson laid the foundations for a black man to become president of the United States.
The civil rights activist said: "It was Michael Jackson that brought blacks, whites and Asians together. Thank you Michael, thank you Michael, thank you Michael."
Family members held a private funeral service earlier at Forest Lawn Cemetery - but the scene of Jackson's eventual resting place has yet to be made public.
Police blocked off roads and warned those without tickets to stay away because they would not be able to get close to the centre, as an invasion of British fans arrived in California.
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This article has 17 comments
I wanted to stone more with us but what to do went I could not stop crying yes I know he will never leave us it will always be here love you very much michael you will never forget you god rest in peace
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By Denisa. Posted July 12 2009 at 1:29 PM.
Micheal aint gone. I hear him every time i turn on my radio. love you Mic! Its a shame we never met and got married like i dreamed of as a kid. Maybe next life time ! X
By Phantom widow of the one they call michael jackson.. Posted July 12 2009 at 7:40 AM.
Michael is my Idol,d Vaccumm he create in music industry worldwide can not be filled by anyone,REST IN PEACE IN THE BLOSSOM OF THE LORD AMEN.
By Kolawole T Lasisi. Posted July 10 2009 at 12:44 PM.
i just want to say how sad i was to hear about michael jackson it,s a waste of a young life taken too soon he should of at least had another life time too live R I P MICHAEL
By sandra hawkins. Posted July 9 2009 at 9:26 PM.
I find it hard to believe michael has gone, even though i am writing this. He was the soundtrack to my growing up, he was always there, and you just always expected him to be there. Why did no one understand him? Why do people have to see the things that just arnt there? He was never allowed to have a normal life, how would we be in a situation like that? So much of what was said is untrue, he wasnt a child molester any more than i am, he was a lovely man with a heart of gold.
By katy dyer. Posted July 9 2009 at 5:33 PM.
cant believe his gone nw atleast his in a special place the serice was reali great made me cry but his songs will still be wid us luv ya mj xxxxxxxxxx
By ellie samuel. Posted July 9 2009 at 5:46 PM.
It didn't hit me untill I saw the memorial for MJ.
I was very moved by all of the speeches and how everyone stuck together to celebrate his life.
Every funeral should be like that.
By Jozette Uk. Posted July 9 2009 at 11:56 AM.
Michael Jackson will be greatly missed for a long time to come. His creative genius was an inspiration and just knowing he was out there gave us something to look forward to that would be new and exciting in the form of music. My love to his children, wishing them a good life and to grow up with their grandmother and fathers family in happiness surrounded with love. Michaels kindness, sincereity and giving heart for humanity has helped bring the human race a long way. I always loved Michael, he was a part of my growing up, my condolences to his family. His music is always among my favorites, it brings so much light to the world you can't help but feel good when you hear it, it helped unite the world, he was a blessing.
By Shirley. Posted July 9 2009 at 2:27 AM.
Michael Jackson will be greatly missed for a long time to come. His creative genius was an inspiration and just knowing he was out there gave us something to look forward to that would be new and exciting in the form of music. My love to his children, wishing them a good life and to grow up with their grandmother and fathers family in happiness surrounded with love. Michaels kindness, sincereity and giving heart for humanity has helped bring the human race a long way.
By Shirley. Posted July 9 2009 at 2:18 AM.
what else can i say,i grew up hearing people say this;-there are 3 popular things/people in the world-'jesus christ,cocacola and michael jackson'.He touched our lives down here in nigeria in a way no other entertainer will ever do.to the family i wanna extend my sympathy to them,its gonna be difficult to lose a person like michael,but u got to hang in there for the sake of his kids.Be strong.
By ezenwaka ugoo. Posted July 8 2009 at 6:53 PM.
to love is nothink to love and be loved is everythink we all loved you michael and know you loved us as your fans may god keep you safe in his arms forever goodnight and godbless you , you will always be no1 in my heart
love maz xxxxx
By maz. Posted July 8 2009 at 6:41 PM.
I just wanna say that for the family jackson keep your head up, i mean michael jackson gone but still alive in our heart to both of us. R.I.P
marcus.
By Marcus. Posted July 8 2009 at 4:19 PM.
I just want to give my condolences to Michael's children and his family during this time of grief, he was a huge part of my childhood and will be a huge part of the world's life forever and always.. rest in peace The King!
By terri. Posted July 8 2009 at 3:57 PM.
will always be in my heart forever and ever and to Paris, Prince Michael and Blanket may more blessings be upon you and your loving family and grandma Kate your doing a great job and will remain in my prayers
Love you
By Tina Iuli. Posted July 8 2009 at 2:36 PM.
I watched the Memorial Service and was teary eyed till the end. It was a true celebration of MJ's life. His music and legacy will never die.
Only wish he could have been shown this outpouring of love, admiration, adoration & adulation when he was alive.
Truly he was the greatest entertainer that ever lived. There will never be another Michael Jackson. Not only was he a musical genius but also a wonderful human being.
By Vincent. Posted July 8 2009 at 2:27 PM.
you touched lives in a special way, your songs were really great.saying you were the best is an understatement.you r simply irreplaceable.in death u did even greater.over here in nigeria, i am proud of u.rest in peace micheal.love u 4eva.
By ayegba martins idakwo. Posted July 8 2009 at 1:54 PM.
I watched the memorial yesterday, it was so beautiful and i cried all the time, but i can´t help to wonder why now and not before? Why does all this famous people and big persons say all this wonderful loving words about Michael after his death? Why couldn´t they and the rest of the world have given him all this love and celebration when he was a live, i can´t help to wonder if Michael maybe still had been with us then if he had got this love when he was here with us. Why couldn´t anyone celebrate him and his fantastic legacy and all the great things he did with a great show with him as the honor guest when he was a live, maybe he had felt our love then and had been happier and a live right now!
Love you for ever and ever Michael!
Hope everyone leaves you alone now and really let you rest in peace!
By Anna, Sweden. Posted July 8 2009 at 11:34 AM.