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The Michael Jackson Memorial--Eleven Things That Stood Out
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It has arrived—the biggest news day since the 2008 election.
Family, friends and the public gathered at Staples Center in Los Angeles earlier today for the public memorial service of Michael Jackson. The event drew world-wide attention and hearkened back to the memorial service of Princess Diana and JFK. As Jackson's casket, wonderfully adorned with many red flowers, graced the stage, friends and family took turns center stage at the mic to talk about the King of Pop, his vast influence and the tremendous loss. At times, the service elevated Jackson to messiah-like status but it was hard not to feel the sentiment for the famous Grammy-winning singing. The service ended with a tearful plea from Jackson's daughter, Paris, who certainly got in the last word.
"... ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father ..." she said, choking back the tears.
There's more to report throughout the day, but take note of 11 things that stood out:
11. Man of God: Rev. Lucious Smith set the mood from the get-go, noting that Jackson was an "an idol, a hero, a king," but ... "for most, he was a brother, a son, a father, a friend ..."
10. Respect: With about 50,000 people descending upon Staples Center, and about 20,000 in attendance inside—certainly enough to raise eyebrows—the mood at the service was filled with dignity and harmony.
9. Family Love: Brothers Marlon and Jermaine offered Jackson emotional salutes at the service—Jermaine noted "I had his back." Marlon, in a tearful plea, said, "Maybe now Michael, they will leave you alone," referring to paparazzi and media scrutiny his brother received over the years. Meanwhile, Jackson's revered sister, Janet—wearing dark glasses and a sleek black dress—looked dignified throughout the service, later comforting niece Paris.
8. Wonder in Wonder: Stevie Wonder's passionate musical tribute to Jackson was both touching and downright riveting.
7. Magic in Mariah, Honor From Hudson: Famed singer Mariah Carey's duet of "I'll Be There" was, in a word, transcendent. Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "Will You Be There" was hypnotic if not soul-stirring.
6. Gum: Prince Michael was chewing it.
5. Colors: Gents wore yellow ties.
4. Tears, Tears, Tears: Singer Usher broke down at one point, but there was waterworks throughout the entire service, especially from Queen Latifah.
3. Shielded By Brooke: Long-time Jackson friend, actress Brooke Shields, offered a light-hearted remembrance of the King of Pop when she mentioned she had once joked with Jackson about his iconic white glove.
2. Hats Off to the City of L.A.? The good news: there was plenty of police on hand and ushering people in and out of Staples Center was, surprisingly, a smooth endeavor. The funky news: on its website, the city asked for donations to pay for the public service.
1. Paris's Plea: At the end of the day, Jackson's three children have lost a father. That was never more apparent when, in a surprising turn, Jackson's daughter, stepped up to the microphon at the end of the service—aunt Janet's hand resting on her shoulder—and spoke of how much she loved her father.
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