The Jackson family sat in the front row and several members took the time to speak and perform themselves throughout the memorial.
In addition to the thousands of audience members who traveled out to the Los Angeles Staples Center to pay tribute to the late Michael Jackson, many celebrities spoke and performed at Tuesday's memorial. The King of Pop's family was joined by everyone from Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Brooke Shields, Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie, and even Corey Feldman. In addition to performances of several of Jackson's songs, audience members were treated to speeches by Al Sharpton, Queen Latifah, and a very emotional moment from Jackson's daughter Paris. Videos of Jackson's music and performances were played throughout the memorial as well, all in front of Jackson's casket, covered in flowers and a huge spotlight. After the jump, look at pictures and videos of the performers and speakers who remembered one of the most influential musical artists of all time.
Mariah and J-Hud sing and others strike a pose after the jump.
Mariah Carey performed "I'll Be There" with the help of Trey Lorenz, a song they famously covered in 1992 on MTV Unplugged.
John Mayer lent his superior guitar skills on stage on "Human Nature".
A pregnant Jennifer Hudson gave an emotional performance of "Will You Be There." I'm not too sure what was going on when those people were encircling her on stage, but J Hud still delivered a stirring performance.
Yeah, not sure what this was about.
Kobey Bryant and Magic Johnson spoke about Michael's influence and Magic even talked about knowing a young Michael, and snarfing down some KFC with the legend.
The Reverend Al Sharpton got his preacher on and spoke about Jackson's contributions not only to the world of music but his influence on the African American community. "It's not about the mess... It's about the message."
A tearful Brooke Shields shared Jackson's love of being playful and remembered their youthful friendship.
Michael's brother Jermaine Jackson performed the late singer's favorite song, "Smile," becoming more and more emotional as the song went on.
Of course the Kardashians came out. I hope they were there to genuinely pay their respects and not just because there were cameras around.
Musical legends Lionel Richie, Berry Gordy, and Smokey Robinson took a moment backstage to pose together. That's a whole lot of fame in one picture.
Britain's Got Talent Finalist Shaheen Jafargholi, 12, performed "Who's Lovin' You." The young singer had been invited by Jackson to perform in his upcoming comeback tour.
Corey Feldman even came out of obscurity to pay tribute to the pop star, even going so far as to dress like MJ.
Actress and singer Queen Latifah came out to honor to pop star, and she also read a poem written for the occasion by Maya Angelou. Major!
Usher became very emotional while singing "Gone Too Soon," going so far as to even sing to Jackson's coffin.
A fan shows off the program for the memorial.
Sister Janet watches over Michael's children toward the end of the ceremony.
In what was probably the most heartbreaking moment of the memorial, Jackson's daughter Paris momentarily took to the mic to emotionally express her love for her father.
Comments