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 Pulls Out of Jackson Memorial, Attacks Paparazzi

Debbie Rowe, the onetime wife of the late popstar Michael Jackson and mother to two of his three children, has pulled out of her ex-husband’s memorial service at the last minute.

The former nurse originally said she would attending the service, which is being held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on Tuesday; however, a representative for Rowe has revealed that she has since declined her invitation.

“Although Debbie had originally planned to attend tomorrow’s Staples Center memorial service, we have concluded with Debbie that she will not be attending,” her rep said in a statement. “The onslaught of media attention has made it clear her attendance would be an unnecessary distraction to an event that should focus exclusively on Michael’s legacy. Debbie will continue to celebrate Michael’s memory privately.”

According to several sources, Rowe’s decision to not attend the day-long service stems from an altercation she had with photographers on Sunday. Jackson’s ex-wife was leaving a Chinese restaurant near her home when she allegedly yelled at the paparazzi, “Are you ready to get your butt kicked? Don’t f***ing touch me!”

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Michael Jackson Memorial Participants Revealed

The celebrity contingient set to take part in tomorrow’s Michael Jackson memorial service have just been announced by the Jackson family. Here’s the list:

Kobe Bryant, Mariah Carey, Andrae Couch Choir, Ron Boyd (family friend), Berry Gordy, Jennifer Husdon, Shaheen Shaheen Jafargholi (finalist on Britain’s Got Talent), Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III, John Mayer, Bernice A. King, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Brooke Shields, Pastor Lucious Smith (family friend), Usher and Stevie Wonder.

Jackson’s close friends, Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross (named as the Jackson children’s second guardian in the will), are the most notable omissions from the list.

It is believed that both women will be attending Jackson’s private funeral instead, set to take place a few hours before the public memorial at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

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Michael Jackson Funeral Plans

After their requests to hold a public memorial at Neverland Ranch were denied, Jackson’s family has finally decided on the back-up location for their son’s funeral.

TMZ.com is reporting this morning that a motorcade will travel from Forest Lawn Mortuary in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning to the Staples Centre complex in downtown L.A., where a public memorial will be held.

At this stage, the Jackson family “still hasn’t decided” on whether the memorial will take place at the Staples Centre or the nearby, smaller Nokia Theatre. They are expected to make a decision one way or the other shortly.

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No Public Viewing, Says Jackson Family

There will be no private viewing of Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch, despite news reports that suggest otherwise.

The Jackson family has just released a statement, through their newly acquired reps, which states there will be no such service performed his former residence.

“Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland.

“Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.”

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