Michael Jackson Memorial
PA PhotosFriends, family and fans of Michael Jackson got their chance to say farewell to the King of Pop at a memorial service in The Staples Centre, Los Angeles.
Rex FeaturesGuests at the service received this commemorative programme, hastily put together for the event which included surprise appearances from his many famous fans.
PA PhotosThe memorial service started with Michael’s brothers carrying his gold-plated coffin out before the audience. Over 1.5 million fans had applied to be present at the service, for which there were only 7,500 tickets.
PA PhotosMariah Carey was the first performer, singing The Jackson Five hit “I’ll Be There”, which she covered on her first album.
PA PhotosBrooke Shields, a close friend of the singer, broke down in tears as she described the bond the pair shared. “Both of us needed to be adults very early, but when we were together we were two little kids, having fun. We never collaborated together, we never performed together or danced on the same stage, although he did teach me the moonwalk… but what we did do was laugh.”
PA PhotosIt was a moving day for Lionel Richie. Michael was his daughter Nicole’s godfather, and Lionel, who knew Jackson throughout his career, sang “Jesus Is Love”. He later joined all the other artists on stage for the finale - a rendition of “We Are The World”.
PA PhotosAfter a difficult year, singer and actress Jennifer Hudson revealed her baby bump to Usher backstage, before performing a gospel version of the Michael Jackson song “Will You Be There”.
PA PhotosJohn Mayer performed a vocal-less version of the Jackson hit “Human Nature” on his electric guitar.
PA PhotosSinger Chris Brown, who recently dodged jail after pleading guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rhianna, was at the Los Angeles event to remember the singer.
PA PhotosStevie Wonder, who sang “Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer”, told the 17,000-strong audience: “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.”
PA PhotosBritain’s Got Talent contestant Shaheen Jafargholi got a standing ovation for his performance of the Jackson Five classic “Who’s Lovin You?” The Welsh schoolboy was personally requested to perform at the ill-fated 02 concerts by Michael.
PA PhotosIn an emotional end to the ceremony, Michael’s children Paris, Prince Michael I and Prince Michael II were comforted by the rest of the Jackson family on stage. A tearful Paris told the audience: “"Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father I could imagine," she said, breaking into tears and turning to lean on her aunt Janet. "I just want to say I love him so much."
PA PhotosThe friends and performers of the singer finished by singing Michael's hit "We Are The World" on stage.
