Michael Jackson’s rose-draped, golden casket is placed on the stage at his memorial as a choir sings and millions of grieving fans say goodbye to the King of Pop. After performances by a star-studded lineup, family members, children and performers took the stage for a rendition of “Heal the World.
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) — Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris Katherine addressed mourners at the Staples Center Tuesday, tearfully telling them her father was “the best father you could ever imagine.” “Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” the 11-year-old girl said. “And I just wanted to say I love him so much.” The girl spoke after Jackson’s brothers Jermaine and Marlon bid tearful goodbyes to the King of Pop.
“Michael, when you left us, a part of me went with you,” Marlon Jackson said. “And a part of you will live forever within me but also a part of you will live forever within all of us.” Before the final words Jackson’s band members, family, children and celebrities filled the stage at the Staples Center on Tuesday to sing Jackson’s “Heal the World.” The song followed a performance of “We are the World,” the 1985 hit written by Jackson and Lionel Richie to raise money for African famine relief. During the memorial, a host of friends, stars and politicians gathered to remember the King of Pop.
Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, called Michael Jackson the “greatest entertainer that ever lived.” “The more I think and talk about Michael Jackson, I feel the King of Pop is not big enough for him,” Gordy said as the crowd rose to its feet. “I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.” Gordy also recalled how when he auditioned the Jackson 5 in 1968, 10-year-old Michael was talented beyond his years.
“He was driven by his hunger to learn, to constantly top himself, to be the best. He was the consummate student. He studied the greats and became greater. He raised the bar and then broke the bar,” Gordy said
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