Over 31 million viewers watched Michael Jackson's memorial service on Tuesday, July 7 2009 at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
News of the 50-year-old's death has been greeted with a mixture of shock, sadness and disbelief all around the world.
Jackson’s family delivered a memorial service that was religious and termed a “celebration” of his life and tribute to the ‘King of Pop’.
The star studded ceremony was overshadowed by the sombre and spiritual ambience that enveloped the centre and its audience of 20,000 people.
Celebrities who attended the service include famous friends, including Mariah Carey, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Usher, Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson among others.
Songs, heartfelt reflections and tears took centre stage rather than the extravagant or dance performances that Michael projected when he was alive.
Speeches painted the picture of Jackson as a singer, dancer, superstar, father, brother, son and humanitarian.
Daughter Paris, 11, surprised the world making her first appearance on stage to declare her love for her father.
"I just wanted to say ever since I was born daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much," she cried.
"He studied the greats and became greater. He raised the bar then broke the bar," said Motown founder Berry Gordy.
"I think the King of Pop is not big enough for him. I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived."
While close friends Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor chose to grieve privately and not attend the service, other stars such as Brittany Spears took to video blogs and twittering online.
Jackson’s body was wheeled into the Staples center in a $25,000 gold-plated casket, called the Promethean lined with royal velvet.
Jackson first saw the casket at James Brown’s funeral — Brown was buried in the same costly box — and, in the words of Fox’s Megyn Kelly, “decided to get one for himself.”
Now that the funeral and memorial service is over, the legacy of Michael Jackson will live on in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.
The City of Los Angeles reportedly spent $1.4 million on Jackson's memorial.
Fans donated $17,000 to contribute to the cost for the cash-strapped city, but a Web site used for the drive repeatedly crashed.
In the words of Jackson's fan club "gone too soon".
Smile: Michael's favourite song
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