The world said a final goodbye and paid tribute to Michael Jackson during a moving memorial service in Los Angeles (USA) that lasted for about 2 hours.
It was an event of star-powered speeches and world-class performances at the Staples Center with Michael’s casket being present in front of the stage.
Oscar- and Grammy-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson appeared in front of a packed crowd to cover Michael`s 1990s hit “Will You Be There.” Hudson wore a knee-length white dress as she belted out a gospel-tinged version of the song. Toward the end, lyrics from the song appeared on a large screen while a recording of Michael’s own tear-soaked voice softly spoke the words:
“In my anguish and my pain/ Through my joy and my sorrow/ In the promise of another tomorrow/ I’ll never let you part/ For you’re always in my heart.”
“We love you, Michael,” Hudson said after the song drew to a close.
Michael’s brother Jermaine sang one of Michael’s favorite songs, the Charlie Chaplin song “Smile”.
Perhaps one of the most touching moments was towards the end of the memorial when Michael’s daughter Paris (11) made a short statement under tears:
“I just wanted to say that…ever since I was born daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.”
A truly unforgettable moment.
The ceremony also included performances by Mariah Carey (‘I’ll Be There’), Usher (‘Gone Too Soon’), Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and speeches by Queen Latifah, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Brooke Shields, Martin Luther King III, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Ortega, and Berry Gordy.
A tearful Corey Feldman paid tribute to his former mentor Michael Jackson by dressing up as the King of Pop at his memorial ceremony in Los Angeles today.
In the audience a tearful Corey Feldman paid tribute to Michael Jackson by dressing up as the King of Pop wearing an all black, military-style jacket and a black fedora with sunglasses.
A selection of quotes:
PASTOR LUCIOUS SMITH
To millions around the world Michael Jackson was an idol, a hero, even a king. But first and foremost this man before us today was our brother, our son, our father and our friend. Michael Jackson was, and always shall be, a beloved part of the Jackson family and the family of man.
DIANA ROSS
I’m trying to find closure, I want you to know that even though I am not there at the Staples Center I am there in my heart. I’ve decided to pause and be silent. This feels right for me. Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can’t seem to find words to express.
MAGIC JOHNSON
I want to thank Michael for opening up so many doors for African Americans to be on daytime shows, late night shows. He allowed Kobe [Bryant] and I to have our jerseys in people’s homes across the world because he was already there.
QUEEN LATIFAH
I’m here representing millions of fans around the world who grew up listening to Michael, being inspired and loving Michael from a distance. Somehow when Michael Jackson sang and when he danced… we felt he was right there. He made you believe in yourself.
REV AL SHARPTON
He created a comfort level, where people that felt they were separate became interconnected with his music. … Those young kids grew up from being teenage, comfortable fans of Michael’s to being 40 years old and being comfortable to vote for a person of colour to be the president of the United States of America. Michael did that. Michael made us love each other. Michael taught us to stand with each other.
BERRY GORDY
When he did his iconic moonwalk, I was shocked. It was magic. Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended way too soon, Michael’s life was beautiful.
STEVIE WONDER
This is a moment that I wish that I didn’t live to see come. But as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good and I do know that as much as we may feel - and we do - that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more.
SMOKEY ROBINSON
You don’t think you’ll live to see them gone… He is going to live forever and ever and ever and ever.
REV JESSE JACKSON
They’re holding up well in part because they’re a strong family, a big family, religiously devout family. Therefore, they have a sense of insulation of their faith.
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