The Michael Jackson Memorial

At 10:00 am on July 07, 2009, all eyes were on the live coverage of the Michael Jackson memorial. Whether one of the 20,000 people who filled the seats of the Staple Center in Los Angeles, one of the 6,000 people in the Nokia Center next door, one of the thousands watching on Jumbotrons in Times Square, or one of the millions of people from all around the world staring at television sets, computer screens, or mobile phones, everyone just wanted to say their goodbyes to the legendary King of Pop.

Michael Jackson’s memorial began with a beautiful rendition of Soon and Very Soon being sung as Michael Jackson’s casket was being wheeled into the Staples Center. Rev. Lucious Smith formally began the service with some opening words, and Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz then followed, singingI’ll Be There.

Queen Latifah shared words with the crowd, representing the fans that grew up listening to Michael Jackson. Lionel Richie performed Jesus is Love,and some words from Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, followed. Berry Gordy expressed that Michael Jackson being the King of Pop wasn’t enough—because Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.

Stevie Wonder performed Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer, and then a few words by Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson followed. Bryant announced that Michael Jackson now holds a Guinness Record for Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star.

The live coverage of the Michael Jackson memorial also included a number by Jennifer Hudson, who sang Will You Be There. Al Sharpton then shared a few words, which was followed with a guitar performance of Human Nature by John Mayer. An emotional Brooke Shields also stepped on stage to honor her childhood friend. Jermaine Jackson gave a tearful rendition of Smile, which was his younger brother’s favorite song.

Bernice King, Martin Luther King III, and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee took some time to honor their dear friend, which was followed by Usher’s performance of Gone Too Soon. Smokey Robinson also shared some words with the crowd, which was followed by a number by Shaheen Jafargholi, who sang Who’s Lovin You.

Kenny Ortega, the Director of the Michael Jackson Concert Tour, thanked everyone for being part of the memorial service, and We Are The World was sung as Michael Jackson’s family and friends came onstage. Afterwards, dozens of children clad in black and white surrounded Michael Jackson’s family and friends, as they all sang Heal The World.

The public memorial service concluded with words of thanks from Michael Jackson’s family, and a few tearful words from his daughter, Paris Katherine. As Michael Jackson’s coffin was rolled out of the Staples Center, an instrumental tune was played, and the spotlight was on a lone microphone on the stage—with no one there.