UPDATE 14— Outside, MJ was just written in the sky.

UPDATE 13— “Daddy has been the best father I could ever imagine, I just want to say I love him,” MJ’s daughter Paris said before turning away into the arms of Janet jackson and sobbing.

Jermaine Jackson (donning a white glove) then returned to the stage after several years away and performed “Smile.” Tears streamed down Jermaine’s face, and the audience helped him through to the end with their support.

UPDATE 12—”High School Musical” Director Kenny Ortega, who was also directing MJ’s upcoming London tour, spoke softly, said it was just over a week ago that they were here at this very venue with Michael singing and dancing… This was his home.

UPDATE 11— Usher (never removing his glasses) broke down as he looked over at the casket, uttering one final “Gone Too Soon.”
She said his favorite song was Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile,” reminding us that today we need to smile.

The casket was carried out to the tune of “Heal the World.” The audience lingered, absorbing what had truly been a celebration of Jackson’s life and legacy.

The memorial closed with a prayer. Amen.

UPDATE 10— Martin Luther King’s son said MJ truly was the best at what he did.
“Michael was called the King, but to me he was more of a little Prince,” she added.

We were left with a preview from the highly anticipated “This Is It” tour.

Children’s choir filled the stage, the screens filled with words important to MJ – choice, change, we stand together as one. We are the world. We are the children.

Every single person stood up, daughter Paris smiled and danced.

“Heal the World” was the final performance of the show. Usher and Brooke Shields sang and swayed, crowed raised their arms. It felt as though nobody wanted to the song to end…

A subtle applause as everyone stood just staring at the pic of Jackson in his famous red suit, smiling.

“On behalf of my family I would like to thank everyone for coming out,” Jermaine Jackson said with his family behind him, voice breaking. “I stand here trying to find words of comfort… Michael when you left us a part of me went with you… A part of you will live in all of us.”

Paris clung to Aunt Janet on the stage as she gently patted her shoulder.

“Maybe now Michael they will leave you alone,” Jermaine continued, asking Michael to give their brother, his twin Brandon “a hug from me.”

UPDATE 9 — Brooke Shields said that despite being dubbed in the press as “an unlikely couple,” her bond with MJ felt very natural. They both understood how it felt to be in the spotlight from a young age, she called him a slacker because she started at 11 months and he didn’t start until five years old (ha).

She said the two of them were children together, and would have competitions to make each other laugh. Shields was the first speaker to break down onstage. She jokingly told us about how she made him hold her hand with his “ungloved” hand because the sequins hurt.

A hush fell over the Staples Center, a few fans screamed out as Usher greeted who seemed to be kids Prince and Blanket who were seated center front.

Probably the most heart breaking moment was music video of ten-year-old MJ in the Jackson 5 singing in his pink hat. A voice far beyond his years.

Show opener Smokey Robinson made everyone laugh through their tears: “I wrote that song!”

Robinson recalled making MJ show his birth certificate as he just couldn’t believe someone so young could sing with such passion.

“He is going to live forever and ever and ever,” he added. “I believe so much in God… This is not it. We have life after this is done… I love you Michael. I am proud I had the chance to know you.”

Robinson then paid his respects to the Jackson brothers before another talented child from “Britain’s Got Talent” shook the Staples with his powerful voice.

Everybody stood up, clapped, took photos of the atmosphere. Electric.

UPDATE 8 — Rev Sharpton told (no, yelled at us) that MJ truly was the one who brought all cultures, all races together and made us feel comfortable enough to vote for a black President. The crowd really went crazy in response.

“There was nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with,” Sharpton said to Jacko’s three children. “Thank you Michael.”

The LOUDEST applause, the audience was really revved up. Fans started screaming “We Love You Michael” to fill the void of silence in between acts. Suddenly everyone chanted his name, clapping and stamping.

John Mayer took the stage and played “Human Nature,” again the crowd really rocked out to the music and loosened up to celebrate MJ’s life and career. What a talent on the guitar!

Mayer then went down on the floor and hugged the Jackson brothers. A very emotional moment.

UPDATE 7— Crowd rocked out to a montage of MJ’s music and videos, excitement as we saw him moonwalk across the stage. UPDATE 7— Crowd rocked out to a montage of MJ’s music and videos, excitement as we saw him moonwalk across the stage.

“You Are Not Alone” (the song he reportedly wrote for ex Lisa Marie) suddenly brought a somber note to the service.

Stevie Wonder then drew the loudest applause as he took his seat at the piano, told us that just as much as we need Michael that God must have needed him more.

LA Laker Kobe Bryant followed by delivering a short yet poignant speech on Jacko and was joined by NBA great Magic who said he believed MJ made him a better athlete. Crowd laughed as he recalled hanging out with MJ and watching him eat KFC.

“That was the greatest moment of my life,” Magic laughed. “This is a celebration of his life, of his legacy. I want to thank Michael for opening up so many doors for African Americans.”

Lots of cheers.

Jennifer Hudson, glowing pregnant then payed tribute with a strong rendition of his “Free Willy” song… Lyrics flashed across the screen.

Every person in the Staples clapping to the beat, many dancing out of their seats.

UPDATE 6 — Queen Latifah brings laughter to the crowd as she recalls her own childhood trying to imitate the Jackson 5 with her brother.UPDATE 6 — Queen Latifah brings laughter to the crowd as she recalls her own childhood trying to imitate the Jackson 5 with her brother.

UPDATE 5 — Brett Ratner, Billy Bush among celebs in the service. Casket just brought in, standing ovation and cheers as the gospel ends. Pastor takes the stage, reminding us that we come together in a place that only days ago Michael sang and danced. “As long as we remember him, he will be there to comfort us,” he said.

Diddy and a heavily pregnant Jennifer Hudson both just seated close to the front. The family just entered, standing ovation. No cheers, just clapping.

So quiet now you could hear a pin drop!

UPDATE 4 — Joe Jackson entering from the back of the auditorium with a prominent security posse… Quiet applause as he walks by. Just bumped into Nicky Hilton and Baby Face heading into the Staples Center… Seats filling up… MJ music playing… Just told to take our seat and crowd erupts! Memorial beginning any moment

UPDATE 3 — King’s daughter Bernice King was the first to bring up the “dark side” of MJ’s life, but countered by telling stories of how this “selfless man” believed music could heal, and how he brought a glow to her dying mother’s face.

Congressman Sheila Jackson Lee reminded us that people are “innocent until proven otherwise.” The crowd erupted.

Again we were reminded about Michael’s giving nature – his striving to heal the world, to help those in need. Behind Sheila ran a beautiful slide show of the Pop King in his early days… what a stunning man!

“Michael Jackson I salute you,” she said on the concluding note as a fan screamed “Long live the King!” and “Power to the people!”

Usher was the next star to sing in MJ’s honor… performing “Gone Too Soon.”

UPDATE 2 — Fans and lucky ticketholders are making their way into the Staples Center for the memorial, a kind of quiet before the storm. LAPD are out in droves keeping all unauthorized, unticketed folks away. It is very much a jeans/t-shirt affair so far as far as the ticketholders go, with fans donning shirts, badges and hats in honor of the late King of Pop.

UPDATE 1 — Yesterday New York Rep. Peter King made headlines by releasing a video rant calling Michael Jackson a “low life” and “a pervert.” Rev. Jesse Jackson responded when we caught up with him earlier this morning outside the chaotic Staples Center.

“The statement was unkind, cruel and unnecessary,” Jackson said. “Michael has earned his place in the world as a source of joy, let him rest in peace. That was an insult.”

Meanwhile thousands and thousands of fans are already lining the streets selling merchandise with every MJ picture imaginable…

Mariah Carey opens the show with “I’ll Be There” as beautiful pictures of MJ’s childhood in the Jackson 5 are broadcast in the large screen behind.

Crowd starting to get very emotional.

“Michael was the biggest star on earth,” she said.

Lionel Ritchie delivered a beautiful song in MJ’s honor and encouraged the audience to help him out, a yellow carnation pinned to his tux.

Again the audience rises to its feet as Ritchie leaves the stage.

“He raised the bar and then broke the bar. He took entertainment into another stratosphere,” said Berry Gordy, telling us that MJ at ten years old was better than Smokey Robinson as he and his brothers auditioned for Motown Records.

“Michael Jackson accomplished everything he dreamed of,” he added. “He was the undisputed King of Pop. He was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”