Smokey Robinson preceded the ceremony by reading condolence letters from Jackson's longtime friends Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela, who were not in attendance.
The service began with a choir singing "Soon and Very Soon" as Michael Jackson's casket was carried out by his brothers who were all wearing a single glove, a trademark look of Michael's who was often referred to as "The Gloved One." The music icon's children (Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, “Prince” Michael, 12, and Prince Michael II, 7) sat on the front row by their grandmother Katherine Jackson.
Family friend Pastor Lucious Smith took the stage to offer some kind and comforting words to the congregation.
Mariah Carey then performed her cover of The Jackson 5 song "I'll Be There" with Trey Lorenz, as Jermaine Jackson was seen singing along in the audience. Lionel Richie also performed a choir hymn in remembrance of the King of Pop.
The founder of Motown, Berry Gordy, said Jackson was like a son to him. "He studied the greats and became greater. ...His talent and creativity thrust him and entertainment into another stratosphere." Gordy's words were followed by a video montage of Jackson's life and work.
"This is a time that I wish I didn't live to see come. ... As much as I can mean it, I do know that God is good," an emotional Stevie Wonder said as he took his seat behind the piano. "We can't help but love you forever, Michael," Wonder said before singing his classic hit "I Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer."
Jennifer Hudson then gave a powerful performance of Jackson's "Will You Be There" with the Andrae Crouch Choir.
Rev. Al Sharpton also spoke: "Michael never let the world turn him around from his dreams." Following Rev. Sharpton, John Mayer performed "Human Nature" on guitar as backup singers sang the chorus to the song.
An emotional Brooke Shields said of her friend with tears in her eyes, "To us, it was the most natural and easiest of friendships. ...Both of us needed to be adults very early but when we were together we were two little kids having fun."
Jackson's brothers hugged Shields and Jermaine took the stage to sing his brother's favorite song "Smile," written by Charlie Chaplin.
Usher gave a tearful performance of Jackson's "Gone Too Soon," touching the casket as he sang. Robinson returned to the stage to offer words of tribute about Jackson, who he called his "little brother."
Shaheen Jafargholi of "Britain's Got Talent" gave a moving performance of the Jackson 5 song "Who's Loving You."
The family and those who were working on Jackson's upcoming tour then took the stage to sing "We Are the World" and "Heal the World." Jackson's family also spoke of their beloved relative, including his daughter Paris who broke down. Other people to eulogize Michael included: Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Queen Latifah, Martin Luther King III and Bernice J. King.
The service ended with a spotlight on the microphone and a prayer from Pastor Smith. Michael Jackson passed away on June 25. He was 50.
Would you want your Ex-wife and new girlfriend to be close friends, like on Gary Unmarried?
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
Comments (8)