Photos Of Michael Jackson's Memorial Service, Plus Video Of Shaheen Jafargholi's Tribute To Michael At The Staples Center In LA

Stars Gather To Celebrate Michael Jackson's Life

July 8, 2009

Michael Jackson was remembered in a huge memorial service at the LA Staples Center yesterday, featuring performances and words from friends, family and fans of the late King of Pop. Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, John Mayer and Usher were among those performing songs, while Brooke Shields, Motown founder Barry Gordy, the Rev. Al Sharpton and basketball stars Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant were among those that spoke of the man behind the legend. Young Britain's Got Talent star Shaheen Jafargholi sang confidently in front of the huge audience, both at the center and watching across the world on TV and online, while Jermaine Jackson sang Michael's favourite song "Smile".

The event was a huge star-studded production, but the reality of the family's loss was brought to our attention through the broken words of his eleven year old daughter Paris, who described Michael as "the best father you could imagine" before she broke down onstage. There were celebratory moments for his life, and some very moving moments — if you watched last night, what did you think?

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To see more photos of Michael's LA Memorial Service, including his family, the performers, guests including Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, as well as video of Shaheen's outstanding tribute to Michael, just read more

Source: Getty

3 Comments

hills 3 years 45 weeks

tbh munchkin i bascially agree with all that you said lol, i also thought it was really bad that they got the kids shown to millions of people when obviously it was against micheal jackson's wishes as he's been shielding them from the public for ever. i also thought it was v over the top and def not normal by any standards but i am a fan coz i think he was a good person despite what some people alleged and that he did have a brilliant talent and showmanship.

littlemunchkin 3 years 46 weeks

i didnt watch it, and frankly, i think the whole things seems really creepy. The fact that his body was there, and getting the kids up on the stage (i've seen clips of it on This Morning) when, for so many years they've been hidden, I've just felt it was really bizarre, and not normal. I am sad that a father, son and friend to many has died, but I felt this was entirely inappropriate and I find the outpouring of grief (from fans in particular) for him strange and, dare i say it, over the top. Oh god, dont hate me for saying that!! Hills, we disagree here - i hope u dont hate me after reading this!

hills 3 years 46 weeks

i did actally watch it, because i was a fan of MJ since i was little and intregued about what they would hold for him. even though i thought some of it was really over the top, and i hate it when people cry when i think they are putting it on a bit, usher *cough, it was really lovely when smoky robinson said his bit and when shaheen sung, and also really liked jennifer hudson and john mayers performance, plus stevie wonder has the most beautiful voice, overall was a really lovely send off.

3 Comments

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