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)
This rendition of We are the World is disappointing. Too bad they didn’t have some of the original singers come out and sing parts of the song.
ok, barf.
Thank god its over!!!..That gold coffin looks like soemthing out of King Tut...I was waiting for steve Martin to come out to do the King Tut song.
I just may join your dog right about now.
I need a life. Rain just took out the satellite signal so now watching CNN Stream
But all the children in the world should know that they shouldn't do drugs...it kills..
sw
why didn’t PETA complain??? I hate circuses!
“Heal the World” sing along with a bunch of no-names!
Who is this Chinese singer?
I guess I have evolved ‘cause this is a bunch of $hit
"He's my favorite Honky!"
No one after 1985 wanted to show up so they had to go with Mike’s backup dancers...
Yoko Ono’s daughter? HA!
what is with thaT GLOBE???
wHAT IS THAT RED THING ON THE COFFIN.?
I remember reading that this memorial would equal that of Princess Diana’s funeral. No way, this is simply horrible with a few exceptions. Liz, you were right in staying away!!!
everyone - hands up and sway. . .
NOT
It’s like a train and car wreck mixed together . . . just can’t help watch.
110% of these performers voted for Obama the savior of their world
(Ducking for cover now..)
sw
Liz Taylor & Diana Ross could see this turkey coming a mile away...
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