Michael Jackson’s Memorial

Michael Jackson’s Memorial

Michael Jackson’s Memorial

Michael Jackson’s Memorial

The world said goodbye to Michael Jackson today in a very special memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Thousands of fans, friends, and family gathered at the home of the LA Lakers to pay tribute to the late King of Pop, with memorable eulogies and performances abounding.

Stevie Wonder addressed the crowd, “This is a moment that I wished I didn’t live to see come. But as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good. And I do know that as much as we may feel, and we do, that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more. Michael I love you and I’ve told you that many times so I’m at peace with that.”

Also offering words of love was Queen Latifah who said, “I’m here representing millions of fans who grew up listening to Michael, being inspired and loving Michael from a distance. All of you. Somehow when Michael Jackson sang and when he danced, we never felt distant. We felt like he was right there. Right before us. You believed in Michael and he made you believe in yourself.”

She continued, “I loved him all my life. One of the first records my brother and I ever bought was Dancing Machine and I never forget the two of us trying to get the robot going, trying to be like the Jackson 5. Thank you. Thank you. Michael was the biggest star on earth. He let me know that as an African-American, you could travel the world — there was a world outside of America. Other people. All you people who came here to pay respect for someone who you felt was one of you — a human being first.”

Among the musical performances were John Mayer’s rendition of “Human Nature,” Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz’s reprise of their 1992 cover of “I’ll Be There,” and Stevie Wonder’s “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer.”

Rest in peace, Michael.