Click above to watch CBS’ coverage of Michael Jackson’s memorial service in Los Angeles, California. You can also leave your final respects for the King of Pop below in the comment area. Check back later on today for photos and recaps from his memorial.
A Michael Jackson fan signs a board in tribute to Jackson outside the Staples Center on Monday, July 6th in Los Angeles, California. The Michael Jackson memorial service is to be held there Tuesday morning.
According to various reports, a star-studded list of celebrities are expected to participate/attend in the memorial service:
Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy will speak at the memorial service, although Robinson will not be singing.
Jennifer Hudson is set to perform with the Andrae Crouch Choir and has learned that an invitation was extended to Alicia Keys to perform, but the singer’s attendance has not been confirmed. [SOURCE]
Kobe Bryant, Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Jay-Z are also reportedly going to be there.
Check out this footage of Michael Jackson last week, rehearsing for his ‘This is It’ shows which were to be held in London. It’s sad to watch.
In related news, Michael Jackson’s memorial service will take place Tuesday morning (JULY 7TH) in the Staples Center, the 20,000-seat coliseum in downtown Los Angeles. Click here for more details.
Here are a couple of photos from Michael Jackson’s last concert rehearsal that was held last week Tuesday, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Photographer Kevin Mazur (who owns popular photo agency WIREIMAGE) has been shooting MJ for years and released this statement with the photos:
“I am devastated by the sudden loss of ‘The King of Pop,’ who I have photographed numerous times since the Victory Tour in the ’80s. When he hit the stage at rehearsal, I was thrilled that the magical Michael Jackson was BACK!!! I felt the same adrenaline rush as when I photographed him the first time moonwalking. I was so looking forward to shooting the O2 Arena performances with the amazing production that Kenny Ortega and AEG put together with Michael for his fans.”
–Kevin Mazur, Celebrity Photographer and Founder of WireImage.com
In related news, it was announced yesterday that all ticket holders who bought tickets for Michael’s “This Is It” tour, can get a full refund if they want it.
Michael Jackson was so much more than just the ultimate entertainer - he was an international icon in many aspects, especially fashion. Everyone not only knew Michael because of his moves or his voice, or even media craze, but he also made himself known through his wardrobe.
We all know that signature glittery glove Michael performed with, or the fly red leather “Thriller” jacket he premiered in the horror video. Remember the aviators Michael loved to rock? And the many military jackets Jackson rocked waaay before the current Balmain ones hit the scene.
Michael has paved the way for fashion in music and expressed himself in such like no other entertainer. So many designers and artists today are clearly influenced by Jackson’s look - it just shows how huge of an impact this one man had in entertainment. There will never be another MJ yet, he will live on in his music and millions of images we can still view forever.
Janet Jackson made a very emotional appearance at the end of the ‘09 BET Awards on Sunday night. The singer/actress spoke on behalf of the Jackson Family with this statement:
“My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful. So they elected me to speak with all of you.
To you, Michael is an icon, to us, Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much.”
In related news, Janet was made executor of Michael Jackson’s estate and will soon begin the long process of handling his assets, debts and what money her brother left behind. A family friend tells the New York Post, “She’s in charge, she had the documents, she has control of his stuff.”
Our hearts are definitely with Janet and the Jackson family at this time - that took a lot of strength. View video below…
The patriarch of the Jackson Family, Joe Jackson, speaks publicly for the first time since his the death of his son, Michael Jackson. The interview was very awkward and many people are saying Joe just attended the awards for media face time. He even had his assistant read this statement, ON THE RED CARPET:
“Until such time, however, we have the personal and legal authority to act, and solely Katherine and I have authority for our son and his children. We wish to handle his memory and legacy with dignity. The attorney for the Jacksons is L. Londell McMillan and no one has the authority to speak on behalf of the Jackson family at this time.”
