Michael Jackson Memorial show
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity death
The Jackson family
While just 17,500 fans made it inside Los Angeles’ Staples Center for
Michael Jackson’s public memorial service, millions were watching around the world. It’s been 12 days since the singer’s tragic death but finally his fans, family and peers got the chance to say goodbye. We take a look at the highlights from an emotional evening.
Michael and family
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity death
Michael and family
The Jackson family arrived at the Staples Center along with Michael’s gold-plated coffin after a private ceremony earlier in the day. A fleet of cars carried the family to and from the Forest Lawn Memorial Park where the singer’s body will be laid finally to rest.
Take a look back at Michael Jackson\'s incredible life
Smokey Robinson and tributes
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity death
Smokey Robinson reads tributes
Smokey Robinson started the evening by reading statements from friends unable to make the event. “You don\'t think you\'ll live to see them gone. He is going to live forever and ever and ever and ever,” the Motown legend said, before reading a letter from 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,” Smokey read, continuing. "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."
Read more celebrity tributes to Michael Jackson
Mariah Carey
Michael Jackson,mariah Carey,celebrity gossip,celebrity news,celebrity death
Mariah Carey sings at Michael Jackson\'s memorial
R&B queen
Mariah Carey began the evening’s music duetting with US star Trey Lorenz on Jackson classic I’ll Be There.
Queen Latifah
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,queen latifah,celebrity death
Queen Latifah gives her tribute at Michael Jackson\'s memorial show
"I\'m here representing millions of fans around the world who grew up listening to Michael, being inspired and loving Michael from a distance,” rapper and actress
Queen Latifah said. “Somehow when Michael Jackson sang and when he danced... we felt he was right there. He made you believe in yourself."
Lionel Richie
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,lionel richie,celebrity death
Lionel Richie sings at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
A simple yet emotional version of the The Commodores classic Jesus Is Love was performed by
Lionel Richie.
Berry Gordy
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity quote,celebrity death
Motown boss Berry Gordy speaks at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
"Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended way too soon, Michael\'s life was beautiful. Sure there was some sad times and maybe some questionable decisions on his part, but Michael Jackson accomplished everything he dreamed of," Berry Gordy said. Motown founder Gordy, who signed the Jackson 5 to his label when Michael was just 10, added, “Michael Jackson was the best entertainer who ever lived.”
Stevie Wonder
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity death
Stevie Wonder performs at the Michael Jackson memorial show
"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,"
Stevie Wonder told the crowd, before playing solo versions of Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer and They Won’t Go When I Go.
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson,Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,pregnant celebrity,celebrity death
Pregnant Jennifer Hudson sings at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
Heavily pregnant Jennifer Hudson sang Jackson’s Dangerous album (and Free Willy official soundtrack) ballad Will You Be There?
Meet more pregnant celebrities
John Mayer
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity death
John Mayer performs at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
Guitarist John Mayer led the band through a mostly instrumental version of the Thriller ballad Human Nature.
Watch our round-up of Michael Jackson\'s classic videos
Corey Feldman
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity death
Lost Boys star Corey Feldman attends the Michael Jackson memorial concert
Lost Boys star Corey Feldman was one of many
celebrities in attendance.
Brooke Shields
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity quote,celebrity death
Brooke Shields speaks at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
Jackson’s long-time friend
Brooke Shields was next to speak. “Michael was one of a kind. Whenever we were out together and there would be a picture taken, there would be caption of some kind, and the caption usually said something like, \'an odd couple\' or \'an unlikely pair,\'” she explained. "But to us it was the most natural and easiest of friendships. I was 13 when we met, and from that day on our friendship grew. Michael always knew he could count on me to support him or be his date. We had a bond. Maybe it was because we both understood what it was like to be in the spotlight from a very, very young age. Both of us needed to be adults very early, but when we were together, we were two little kids having fun."
Jermaine Jackson
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,big brother,celebrity death
Jermaine Jackson performs Smile at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
Older brother and former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Jermaine was next to perform. Wearing a single, sequined glove he sang Charlie Chaplin’s Smile, Michael’s favourite song.
Tell us your favourite Michael Jackson song
Shaheen Jafargholi
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity death
Shaheen Jafargholi sings at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
Britain’s Got Talent finalist Shaheen performed a memorable version of Jackson 5 classic Who’s Loving You? Jackson was a big fan of the 12-year-old Welsh singer and, before his death, had personally requested he join him onstage at his planned O2 shows.
Usher
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,Usher,celebrity death
Usher performs at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
Choosing another ballad from Jackson’s Dangerous album,
Usher sang a poignant version of Gone Too Soon before breaking down in tears. Later, he joined the rest of the evening’s performers to sing We Are The World.
The Jackson family
Michael Jackson,celebrity gossip,gigs,celebrity news,celebrity quote,celebrity death
The Jackson family on stage at the Michael Jackson memorial concert
The evening was rounded off by tributes from Michael’s close family. "I\'m lost for words. I was his voice and his backbone. I had his back and so did the family. We thank you. That\'s all I can say, we thank you very much," Jermaine told the crowd. "I will treasure the good times, the fun we had, singing, dancing, laughing,” brother Marlon added.
But it was the short speech from Jackson’s daughter Paris that will be most remembered. "I just wanted to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine,” she said through floods of tears. “And I just wanted to say I love him so much."
Tributes, videos and more in
handbag’s Michael Jackson specialCelebrate the life of a pop legend with this collector\'s edition magazine;
Michael Jackson - Tribute to a legend, only £2.99
