Michael Jackson Farewelled

Iconic performer Michael Jackson has been farewelled in a heartfelt memorial service that more than 1.5 million registered to attend.

Only a few thousand lucky fans and celebrity friends were cleared for entry for the two-and-a-half hour tribute to the King of Pop’s short and colourful life, the most notable of those being Mariah Carey, Queen Latifah, Lionel Richie and Brooke Shields, who all gave thanks to the 50-year-old contributions to music and life.

The most heartbreaking speech of all came from the singer’s 11-year-old daughter, Paris Katherine Michael, who fought back tears as she told the world that her father was “the best father you could ever imagine.”

At one point, her aunt Janet Jackson leaned into the microphone and told the young child to “speak up.” It was the first time Paris had even spoken in public.

“Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” the young girl said. “And I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

The memorial service began with Mariah Carey’s soulful rendition of the Jackson 5 hit I’ll Be There, which followed the entrance of Michael’s 14-carat gold-plated casket.

Pastor Lucious Smith then paid tribute to the popstar with a powerful speech, thanking him for his contributions to the world, for bringing acceptance for all other races within the musical community with his unique talents that touched the hearts of so many people.

Queen Latifah then read a poem from Maya Angelou, who’d asked the singer and actress to read it at the ceremony on her behalf. Lionel Richie’s performance of Jesus is Love followed.

Earlier, messages of condolences from former South African president Nelson Mandela and singer Diana Ross were read out to the packed Staples Centre.

Mandela’s message was read by singer Smokey Robinson.

“Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry. And we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide,” Robinson began, on behalf of the South African icon.

“We had great admiration for his talent and that he was able to triumph over tragedy on so many occasions in his life.

“My wife and I, our family, our friends, send you our condolences during this time of mourning. Be strong, Nelson Mandela.”

Diana Ross’ message were shorter, confirming that she would not be attending the public service in Los Angeles, choosing instead to “pause and be silent.”

“This feels right for me,” Ross said. “Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life.

“Michael wanted me to be there for his children, and I will be there if they ever need me. I hope today brings closure for all those who loved him.”

Jackson’s brothers and sisters gave heartfelt tributes of their own to their beloved Michael, and the service was closed with a host of stars on stage – including Michael’s three children – singing along to We Are The World.

When the ceremony had ended, pallbearers carried Jackson’s golden coffin covered in red flowers outside and loaded it into a black hearse for burial and the Jackson family’s private wake.

It is not known where Michael Jackson’s body will finally be laid to rest.

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Debbie Rowe Wants Custody of Jackson’s Children

Michael Jackson’s former wife Debbie Rowe has reportedly decided to fight for custody of her two children, Prince Michael Jr. and Paris, whom she carried for the popstar in exchange for a large sum of money.

“I want my children,” Ms Rowe said. “I am stepping up… I have to.”

The reason Rowe has chosen to take the battle to court has to do with Jackson’s appointed guardians for the children – his mother Katherine Jackson, soon to be 80, and close friend Diana Ross, who the children have never met. Rowe is also concerned at the level of Joe Jackson’s involvement in the children’s lives, after the King of Pop accused his father of abuse years ago.

However, there’s a lot of obstacles for the nurse and onetime wife of the pop superstar to overcome, not the least of which is the rumours that she’s not the biological mother of the two eldest Jackson children. Rowe has said that she is willing to submit to any testing, including DNA, to prove that she is their biological mother.

Another of the many obstacles includes Rowe’s 2001 petition to give up her parental rights over the children, in exchange for a house and millions of dollars in cash. Rowe later “reversed her decision” and secured herself visitation rights, but legal experts say this could severly hinder any chance she may or may not have to win custody.

Jackson’s Last Will Includes Diana Ross

The last will and testiment of the late Michael Jackson has been filed with the court, and the documents made available to the media through TMZ.com.

In the seven-year-old documents, Jackson has labeled his mother, Katherine, as the guardian of his three children. The will also states that if Katherine died before him or, for some reason, couldn’t care for the children, they would be put under the guardianship of fellow performer, Diana Ross.

The will’s co-Executors, John Branca (Jackson’s lawyer) and John McClain (a music exec), released a statement on behalf of their deceased client.

“The most important element of Michael’s will is his unwavering desire that his mother, Katherine, become the legal guardian for his three children,” the joint statement read.

Jackson has left the entirety of his estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust, with property to be divided equally between his three children. His ex-wife and mother to the two eldest Jackson children, Debbie Rowe, was not named in the will.

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