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)
these people are so full of themselves
That female singer was half Chinese and half black....I think
Where is ACORN registering outside for vote fraud?
This was more of a who's who type thing and no emotion. Not even a real celebration of life.
I thought Obama would make an appearance. Maybe that is why he skipped dinner with the Russians
Too bad Stevie Wonder couldn't.
Very good..
sw
I feel sorry for the kids. MJ’s son Prince is chewing on that gum like cud. I won’t judge..he may be doing it to keep from busting out in tears.
is it ‘effin over?????
I watched it as well although not intentionally. I was just up. It was very moving.
Jesse got face time!
Jermaine J....... A steel plated hairdo
PHOTO OP TIME
The family is speaking now - this part is makeing me tear up a bit.
WHY WERE all the men wearing black glasses? are they all blind?
Now this guy is crying...who is this? One of Farakhan’s boys?
I doubt that. I imagine he wants to get back to his computer.
MJ’s kids are cute.
NOT YET :(
Does anyone know if LaToya was there?????
sw
Did I see Dick Gregory in the background? Now the brothers giving testimonials to the pedo...
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