The Michael Jackson memorial service

Things to Do

The Michael Jackson memorial service

Photos of the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 7, 2009.

Michael Jackson's family, friends and music-industry colleagues joined with thousands of fans Tuesday to bid farewell to the pop singer at the site where he rehearsed for a series of comeback concerts. The Jackson brothers accompany the casket into the memorial service.

Actor Corey Feldman dresses like his longtime pal.

Reverend Al Sharpton (left) and the Supreme Minister and National Representative of the Nation of Islam Louis Farrakhan arrive to the memorial service.

The gold casket of Michael Jackson.

Katherine Jackson arrives with Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris (center) before the service starts.

Actor Mickey Rooney attends the memorial service.

A fan holds up a license plate before the memorial service starts.

The Andrae Crouch Singers opened the memorial service.

Musician Smokey Robinson was the first speaker. He read a note from Diana Ross, who called Jackson "a personal love of mine. A treasured part of my world ... "

Producer Berry Gordy speaks during the memorial service. "When he did his iconic moonwalk, I was shocked. It was magic. Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended way too soon, Michael's life was beautiful."

Lionel Richie gave a gospel-infused performance in front of a shaft of light evoking a cross.

Mariah Carey sings "I'll Be There" with Trey Lorenz.

Singer Queen Latifah said "Somehow when Michael Jackson sang and when he danced ... we felt he was right there. ... He made you believe in yourself."

The Rev. Al Sharpton said that Jackson "created a comfort level, where people that felt they were separate became interconnected with his music."

Actress Brooke Shields said, "Both of us needed to be adults very early, but when we were together, we were two little kids having fun."

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, left, and former Los Angeles Lakers' Magic Johnson speak.

Singer Stevie Wonder said, "This is a moment that I wish that I didn't live to see come."

Brother Jermaine Jackson took the stage and sang the standard "Smile" as he fought back tears.

Musician John Mayer performs "Human Nature" on guitar.

Shaheen Jafargholi, a finalist on "Britain's Got Talent" sang "Who's Lovin' You." Jackson had been impressed with the young singer's performances on the talent show.

Usher broke down in tears after singing "Gone Too Soon" next to the casket.

Bernice King and Martin Luther King III speak.

Singer Jennifer Hudson, center, sings "Will You Be There" with MJ Show Company dancers and the Andrae Crouch singers perform.

From left, Rebbie Jackson, Janet Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson attend Michael Jackson's memorial service.

Paris Jackson is supported by her family after speaking about her father. She said, "Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine! I just wanted to say I love him so much."

1/25

Michael Jackson's family, friends and music-industry colleagues joined with thousands of fans Tuesday to bid farewell to the pop singer at the site where he rehearsed for a series of comeback concerts. The Jackson brothers accompany the casket into the memorial service.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

Ice storm warning

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

01202026 day of protests

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort

More Galleries

the weeknd

PHOTOS: The Weeknd electrifies the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium

PHOTOS: Beyonce fans saddle up for 4-day Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

College Park Juneteenth Parade standalone photo

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Parade held in College Park

4th Annual Rick Ross Car Show

PHOTOS: Rapper Rick Ross holds 4th annual car show in Fayetteville