Posted on 07/07/2009 7:58:55 AM PDT by kristinn
The Jackson family has decided to bring Michael's body to the memorial service being held today at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, putting off the announced plans for a private internment at Forest Lawn cemetery from 8 a.m. PDT to after the service.
The 10 a.m. PDT service is being broadcast on all the major American broadcast and cable news networks, as well as in theaters across the country, the Times Square jumbotron in New York City and on TV screens around the world.
From Entertainment Weekly, performers and friends expected at the service include: Kobe Bryant, Mariah Carey, Berry Gordy, Jennifer Hudson, Shaheen Jafargholi, Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III, Bernice A. King, John Mayer, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Brooke Shields, Usher and Stevie Wonder.
Michael's Jackson's close friend Elizabeth Taylor declined an invitation to speak at the service, writing in part on Twitter: "I cannot be part of the public whoopla."
In a strange but fitting twist of fate, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus elephant parade through the streets of Los Angeles is set to take place this morning with the elephants arriving at the Staples Center just hours before the service for the circus' scheduled run at the arena.
FILE - In this July 15, 2008 file photo originally supplied by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, elephants from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, take an early morning stroll en route to the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Stefano Paltera, file) (Stefano Paltera - AP)
❋❤Happy 7 year FReeper anniversary to me!❤❋
Yes, the first filibuster funeral. But it’s actually pretty compellingly put together.
Sammy Davis Jr. was a better entertainer than MJ, sorry Smokey.
Great sentiments. Thanks for your kind heart on this hard thread.
I do feel for the family. Without a doubt they a grieving. But MJ’s Memorial Service is like his life. No private time. No time to just be MJ.
I think Brooke did a fantastic job. Liz said she did not want to be part of the Hoopla. And Diana Ross seems to be keeping a low profile. Is it just me but the most heartfelt memorials seem to be coming from the pre Thriller era. It just seems that when he hit it really big it was the end for him emotionally.
LOL
God help me. I thought it was KD Lange before they got in close.
12 year old kid form Britain’s Got Talent up next...”Who’s Lovin You”
fox news doesn’t know who this kid is
LOL
OMG..I thought it was KD Lang, too. Must be the hair.
sw
Re: “uh...don’t call me sweetie.”
*******
OK, then don’t say “everyone over 50 is retired and collecting a huge pension” then.. What a foolish and incorrect remark you made there!
I hope they end the service here. Well done Shaheen — or whatever his name is.
You nailed it Trish, no one from the post Thriller era is there. (except maybe Justin Timberlake?)
The kid’s the best thing so far!!!! LOL! (J-Hud was good tho)
Background singers were just a bit to loud.
Great comment at the end of the song.
A 12 year old at MJ’s service....somehow that seems very wrong.
what is his name???Is that arab or Indian?
THIS IS THE MOST BIZARRE THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!
I am so ashamed for my country FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE!
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