Michael Jackson's Memorial Service a Televised Tribute

Michael jackson memorial service was televised online live streaming footage on the TV/video website Hulu.com. The coverage came via FoxNews with Megyn Kelly hosting. Most major networks across the US also aired the memorial which was well over an hour long. Fans watched the service live around the world in large gatherings, including one outside the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NYC. Prior to the service's start, Smokey Robinson read statements from a few guests who were unable to attend, Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela. Diana Ross evidently may not have attended due to all the attention over the custody battle for MJ's kids, and how she may be named the mother of them. Michael Jackson's gold casket was under a spotlight in front of the stage with a giant screen hanging up above to show highlight clips and images of the late "King of Pop". The majority of Jackson's family was in attendance as were some of the most famous stars on the planet. Kobe Bryant, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Lou Ferrigno, Don King, the Kardashian sisters, Magic Johnson, Brooke Shields, Larry King all showed up to pay Pastor Lucius Smith opened the memorial ceremony calling Michael "an idol, a hero and a king" as well as our "brother, son, father and friend". After the pastor's opening, Mariah Carey sang a redone remake of the Jackson 5 classic "I'll Be There". Singer Trey Lorenz was even present to add his parts to the song just as he did on Mariah Carey's Unplugged. Queen Latifah was out next to speak and read the Maya Angelou Michael Jackson Poem called "We Had Him". Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas spoke of Michael as a humanitarian and presented a bill to forever honor the King of Pop. Mariah Carey sings with Trey Lorenz at Michael Jackson memorial The memorial featured many stars performing in tribute to the late King of Pop. Music legend Lionel Richie sang "Jesus is Love", and Stevie Wonder sang "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer". Jennifer Hudson sang, "Will You Be There", John Mayer performed "Human Nature" via guitar, and R&B star Usher performed "Gone Too Soon", then was comforted by front row friends and family at the song's close. Michael Jackson's brother performed Michael's favorite all-time song, Smile by Charlie Chaplin (Lyrics) from a B&W movie "Modern Times". 12-year old Shaheen Jafargholi, a singing sensation from Britain's Got Talent, showcased his skills as he sang the Jackson 5 classic "Who's Loving You Now", sounding eerily similar to the young Michael. Berry Gordy, the man who originally signed the Jackson 5 in Motown, reminisced as well, recalling one time where MJ's audition of a Smokey Robinson song outdid the song's original singer. Michael Jackson's daughter Paris speaks at Memorial Service Basketball celebs Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, who are well known at the Staples Center and around the world, also spoke words of remembrance of Michael. Magic Jackson held a starring role in Michael's "Remember the Time" music video. Magic reminisced about having dinner with Michael to discuss the video, and when he saw the server bring out Michael a bucket of KFC it made his day. Brooke Shields and Michael Jackson were close friends and the actress spoke of how photos of the two surfaced together with captions such as "odd couple". Brooke brought up the "glove" and how she asked to hold Michael's other hand so the sequins wouldn't hurt her. Other speakers included Smokey Robinson, and the Reverend Al Sharpton, who gave a passionate speech thanking Michael for making us love one another, and allowing people to even embrace a black man as president of the United States. The ceremony closed with a heartfelt one line speech from Michael's daughter, Paris, who said "I just wanted to say..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". Michael Jackson's resting place is unknown as of now, it may be Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills cemetery where many other famous celebrities have been buried, but as seen by today's memorial, MJ will forever rest in the hearts of the many he influenced around the world. Michael Jackson ringtones for your mobile phone Michael Jackson CD Album music selections