Guests didn’t know what to expect heading into Michael Jackson’s Public Memorial Service on Tuesday July, 7th. It was the chance for the world to farewell the King of Pop who died suddenly on June 25th. 

The wall-to-wall coverage of his death had some worried that the event would be a bit of a circus, instead it turned out to be very tasteful star studded memorial service, one that Michael would’ve approved of.

The mood inside the Staples Center, was both electrifying and sombre. The gleaming gold coffin, topped with roses, was placed at the front of the stage as stars and family paid their respects.

Mariah Carey, Lionel Ritchie, Usher, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Jermaine Jackson, and Jennifer Hudson were among those who performed songs in honor of Michael Jackson.

The musical highlights were: Lionel Ritchie’s performance of the spiritual “Jesus Is Love”, Stevie Wonder’s performance of “Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer”, John Mayer’s powerful rendition of “Human Nature”, Jermaine Jackson’s performance of Michael Jackson’s favourite song, “Smile” and Shaheen Jafargholi (finalist on “Britain’s Got Talent”) performance of “Who’s Loving You”.

Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Brooke Shields, Al Sharpton, Queen Latifa, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson all delivered very touching or emotional speaches.

Moments of laughter included: Magic Johnson story about MJ eating Kentucky Fried Chicken; Brooke Shields asking MJ “What’s up with the glove?”But the most poignant moment of the ceremony came when Michael’s 11-year-old daughter, Paris Katherine Jackson, spoke about her loving father. “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.”

In addition, the finale was extremely moving. The backing singers from the scheduled London concerts performed “We Are The World”, joined on the stage by a number of children, including Michael’s own children, and then followed up with “Heal The World,” where stars such as Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson, Usher, Kobe Bryant, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Shaheen Jarfargholi took to the stage for a group performance.

As “Man in the Mirror” played overhead in the dimmed arena, family members and friends escorted the coffin out, and the crowd was asked to join hands and say prayer.

Outside the Staples center fans wore T-shirts and fedoras or, in some cases, dressed in all black as if they were going to a church funeral service. There were dancers trying to replicate MJ’s moves. There was a 12-foot-high heart made of roses that read “We Love You Michael.” There was a community at the Staples Center. These people didn’t know each other before the service, but their common love for Michael tied them tightly together for the day.

FOR MICHAEL’S FANS IT WAS A DAY THEY’LL NEVER FORGET!

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