Such an amazing ceremony! I think I have been in shock with Michael’s death, it didn’t really hit me until I saw his casket enter the car that brought him to the Staples Center. My heart just sank. It was an overwhelming feeling that this was really happening. I will never forget Michael’s family carrying his casket into the Staples Center with their vibrant yellow ties & single sequined gloves.
The service started with Smokey Robinson reading a message from Diana Ross who chose not to attend today’s service. The memorial’s first performance started with a gospel choir, following with Mariah Carey & Trey Lorenz singing the Jackson 5 hit “I’ll Be There”. Other performances included Lionel Richie singing “Jesus Is Love”, Stevie Wonder performing “Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer”, Jennifer Hudson singing “Will You Be There”, John Mayer playing an instrumental “Human Nature”, and Jermaine Jackson singing Michael’s favorite song “Smile”, but the most heartfelt was Usher’s “Gone Too Soon”. I love Usher & to see him get so choked up during his performance got me choked up.
There was a wonderful speech from Queen Latifah to represent Michael’s fans all over the world.
Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, spoke about the Gordy family playing baseball against the Jackson family.
Kobe Bryant & Magic Johnson shared their thoughts about Michael. Kobe praised Michael on his triumphs. Magic told a funny story about having dinner at Michael’s house, eating a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken & how that was the greatest moment in his life.
Rev Al Sharpton’s last message to Michael & the Jackson Family was “Thank you!”
Fighting back tears, Brooke Shields told everyone MJ’s favorite song was Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” and saying that’s exactly what everyone needs to do on this day.
Smokey Robinson returned to the stage with a witty story of how he met the Jacksons and how well Michael sang Smokey’s “Who’s Lovin’ You”.
Brother Jermaine was lost for words and thanked everyone for celebrating Michael’s life today.
Brother Marlon told a comical story about how Michael used to go out in a disguise to blend in & once Marlon had spotted him in a record store and asked, “What are you doing? Michael responded How did you know it was me? Marlon told the crowd he could spot his brother anywhere & how he always wore the same ol’ rickety shoes.
Lastly Michael Jackson’s only daughter, 11-year-old Paris Michael Katherine, gave an emotional speech saying, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. I love him so much.”
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