Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Michael Jackson gets Royal Sendoff



Michael Jackson gets Royal sendoff

The way you made us feel



Michael Jackson was eulogized by an all-star list of musicians, athletes and other celebrities during a spiritual ceremony, with the most poignant moment delivered by his sobbing 11-year-old daughter



Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Katherine addressed mourners at the Staples Center last night, tearfully telling them her father was "the best father you could ever imagine."

"Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," the 11-year-old girl said. "And I just wanted to say I love him so much."

The girl spoke after Jackson's brothers Jermaine and Marlon bid tearful goodbyes to the King of Pop.

"Being judged, being ridiculed how much pain can a man take. Maybe now Michael they will leave you alone". Jermaine Jackson.






"Michael, when you left us, a part of me went with you," Marlon Jackson said. "And a part of you will live forever within me, but also a part of you will live forever within all of us."


Before the final words Jackson's band members, family, children and celebrities filled the stage to sing Jackson's "Heal the World."
The song followed a performance of "We are the World," the 1985 hit written by Jackson and Lionel Richie to raise money for African famine relief.

During the memorial, a host of friends, stars and politicians gathered to remember the King of Pop.



Golden casket

Jackson's golden casket was placed in front of the stage at his memorial as a choir sang.

Several of Jackson's older brothers, each wearing one sequined glove, served as pallbearers, carrying the coffin to the stage as the Andrae Crouch choir sang Soon and Very Soon.

The stage resembled a church sanctuary with a stain-glassed backdrop.

Mariah Carey (pictured right) was joined by Trey Lorenz singing The Jackson 5's 1970 hit I'll Be there as a montage of Jackson photographs appeared on arena screens.

Queen Latifah, saying she was on stage to represent "millions of fans inspired by Michael," said "Michael was the biggest star on earth." Lionel Richie then performed the song Jesus is Love.

Stevie Wonder took the stage next.

"This is a moment that I wished that I didn't live to see come, but as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good," Wonder said.

"And I do know that as much as we may feel, and do, that we need Michael with us, God must have needed him more."

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