Our viewing in Hollywood was just down the street from the red carpet affair at the new Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles. While the stars and special guests watched what would be MJ's final act there, the domestic and foreign press packed into the historic Chinese Theater to get our first look at the one hour and fifty minute feature. From the outset you get the clear picture that Michael Jackson was in no way too weak to perform, as some have reported. He was thin, but had no trouble at all with his signature moves and many new ones. He was quick, agile and appeared at the top of his dancing and singing game. His voice struck me a strong and clear. Here is a video I shot on my iPhone right as we walked outside the premier and an interview with someone who had just seen it for the first time. http://www.kyte.tv/ch/329916-adamhousley/593841-mj-premier

In fact, Jackson at times looks stellar, as it seems he has a tough time keeping his feet still during the many hours of the rehearsals. Throughout the show, which runs like the making of a music video focusing on some of Jackson's most famous songs, MJ seems very involved in the production and at times appears playful. However, no matter how involved in the production, or how amazing his moves, there is a glaring imperfection that shows on the face of Michael. At times the various colors of light in this film from the backstage footage and brightness from the stage lights illuminates a man obviously tormented. His face at times appears plastic, his nose surreal. While I wasn't looking for it, it does take my attention away from his choreographic brilliance on a few short occasions, as I find myself staring in awe at close ups of MJ. It reminds me of my contact who told me the day after Jackson died that the coroners were shocked about the scarring they found on his face...and also that despite some media reports....Jackson's internal organs were strong and he wasn't weak and frail as some had suggested.

What surprised me the most though was the epic planned production for the London run of 50 shows. This was going to be quite a stage production, no just a concert. While watching 'This is It', you get a glimpse of the green-screen production that was planned for the shows, including an update to 'Thriller' which looked quite amazing.
Again, did we expect anything different? More to come on this throughout the day, what do you think? Do you want to see it, or have you?

I am told the report was finished very recently and most of the tests were conducted at the Coroner's Office and samples were for the most part not sent to outside labs. The Coroner's Office is not holding a press conference as they had originally planned, but is waiting for direction from the LAPD.

That doesn't mean they won't release cause of death, but the Coroner's Office doesn't want to jeopardize the investigation and is waiting for LAPD guidance.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE:    One of our sources has told me for a couple of days that he does believe the release of the toxicology report will come next week. Having said that, anything can happen, so we remain prepared to cover the release when it is anounced. This all comes as we also prepare for the court battle coming Monday over custody of the Jackson children and control of his will. I have just been e-mailed this statement from the Special Administrators listed in the 2002 Jackson will, who are preparing for that courtroom battle on Monday.  Since being appointed by the Probate Court as Special Administrators of the Estate of Michael Jackson, John Branca and John McClain, who were specifically designated by Michael Jackson in his will to be executors of his Estate, have been focused on preserving Michael's legacy and carrying out his wishes. According to two of my sources from different offices involved in this search.....They insist, this is NOT a raid. A raid "is when we go in with guns, knock down doors and arrest people." He continues, "This is serving a search warrant as part of an intense ongoing investigation."

The Special Administrators have and will continue to provide timely information to Mrs. Jackson's counsel regarding potential business opportunities for the Estate. Any inference that we have not been forthcoming in providing information to Katherine Jackson's attorneys is not accurate.

There is one agreement being requested by Mrs. Jackson's attorneys where the other party to the contract has agreed to provide the document to Mrs. Jackson and her attorneys but requested that the terms be kept confidential and not be shared with third parties. Mrs. Jackson's lawyers have refused that offer.

Based on comments made on The Today Show by one of Mrs. Jackson's attorneys it appears that they want to rewrite Michael's will to make Mrs. Jackson "Guardian of the Estate" and have her appointed as an Executor and Trustee of Michael Jackson's Estate.

In his will Michael was very specific that his mother act as the Guardian of his children and that Mr. Branca and Mr. McClain be the Executors of his Will and Trustees of his Trust.

FROM TUESDAY:

The reason why the raid is taking place in Las Vegas today and not last week is due to complications with obtaining a search warrant on Dr. Murray's home. As one tells me "Justice is sometimes slow and there is a strict protocol and method we have to follow. This is not a totalitarian state and we have to absolutely respect the right of someone being investigated like Dr. Murray."

6 Agencies are taking part (state, Fed and local). This is very similar to last weeks search warrant in Houston. It is under seal, initiated by Las Vegas Police and led by LAPD. The investigators are looking for documents and records. They are building a very detailed case and much of this stuff can't easily be destroyed without obvious.

The DEA is taking part in this investigation NOT due to a possible manslaughter investigation. They are strictly looking at Doctor Murray and his connection to the drugs involved in this case and possibly others.

Remember, last week we reported there might be more searches of locations connected to Dr. Murray.

I am also told: Investigators DO NOT feel that Dr. Murray is a flight risk. As of right now, they don't expect to arrest him any time soon, but that could always change on short notice. They suggest this investigation closely resembles the Anna Nicole investigation, which took months to wrap up.

I am also told, "prosecuting a person in a case like this is extremely difficult and some prosecutors would argue almost impossible. It is so hard to prove."

Multiple sources tell me the toxicology report on Michael Jackson is complete and that the Coroner's Office has submitted it's report to the LAPD.                                                                                                        I am told the report was finished very recently and most of the tests were conducted at the Coroner's Office and samples were for the most part not sent to outside labs. The Coroner's Office is not holding a press conference as they had originally planned, but is waiting for direction from the LAPD.                                                                                      That doesn't mean they won't release cause of death, but the Coroner's Office doesn't want to jeopardize the investigation and is waiting for LAPD guidance.

Multiple sources tell me the toxicology report on Michael Jackson is complete and that the Coroner's Office has submitted it's report to the LAPD.                                                                                               I am told the report was finished very recently and most of the tests were conducted at the Coroner's Office and samples were for the most part not sent to outside labs. The Coroner's Office is not holding a press conference as they had originally planned, but is waiting for direction from the LAPD.                                                                                 That doesn't mean they won't release cause of death, but the Coroner's Office doesn't want to jeopardize the investigation and is waiting for LAPD guidance.

Silvio Pietroluongo, director of charts for Billboard, tells me, “We have never seen such a post-death phenomenon since SoundScan began tracking unit sales in 1991.  Unfortunately the industry did not have an accurate sales measurement system in place when comparable superstars Elvis Presley and John Lennon passed away.”

And while it’s not a surprise to see a spike in sales, Pietroluongo says, “the amount of Jackson albums that have sold, and the week-to-week increases we’ve seen, have certainly exceeded anyone’s expectations.”

How long can it continue?  Pietroluongo says the decline will begin soon, but Jackson’s sales could “continue to perform at an above average level for the rest of the year.”

We want to hear from you.  Click “comments” below and share your thoughts.  Have you purchased any Jackson albums in the wake of his death?  What influenced your decision?  Which album(s) did you buy?

Meanwhile, the mystery over what is happening with Jackson's remains, well, remains. Am tracking down a few leads and will check back in with any insight...

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."

Third update:LAPD Chief Bratton just told me that the family will make the ultimate decision. As of right now it MAY happen. The AP report attributed to him isn't correct. The LAPD is prepared and thinks as of right now it is likely, but again, the final decision comes from the family. If they bring his remains here, they may be flown in. That option has been made available.

Second Update: As the sun starts to lighten up the marine layer, there is a blanket of gray that covers downtown Los Angeles. Every media platform is now filled and activity is at a fever pitch. I had the chance to talk with LA Police Chief William Bratton who tells me he has about 1,500 extra officers deployed in this area.

First Update: I just had the chance to speak with LA Police Chief William Bratton and he tells me that 1,500 extra police officers are in the Staples Center Area right now in anticipation of a massive crowd for the Michael Jackson service. He doesn't expect any problems and believes the LAPD can scale back those numbers pretty quickly once the event begins.

Moving through a number of roadblocks I have made my way into the compound that now envelopes the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. Even just after 1am here in California, the police presence is massive and security remains tight some 9 hours before the Michael Jackson service even begins.

In my time at Fox, I have covered a few funerals or remembrances including President Reagan and Ford...this one is right up there with media coverage. It is said that in later years Jackson remains more popular overseas than here in America and that's not hard to believe just by the coverage from overseas. Press risers of various sizes (and prices) line the street in front of the arena, spilling into the square in front of the Nokia Theater.

Tables, cables, wires, people and camera's are everywhere and satellite trucks are crammed together like giant white sardines in a can. Our fold up table next to our riser is now my desk and everyone at this hour hopes a coffee shop opens somewhere hear here soon, for the extra jolt of energy to get us to sun up.

About an hour after we got there it was announced there will not be a public viewing at Neverland so we turned around and drove back to the family compound in Encino.

I was amazed to see how many tourists were already driving up there just to catch a view.  Could Neverland be the next Graceland?

3pm: I just spoke with a contact who has been in the Los Olivos/Neverland Ranch area all of her life and now works in an official capacity.

She says.....

They are still preparing because even If there is no service of any type, they expect thousands of people to come to the area this weekend because of reports that MJ could be buried there. Law enforcement dispatch phone banks in the area are getting a ton of calls from people driving in from all over and looking for guidance and info (not media people).

She tells me, "the road is narrow two-lane to Neverland." She continues, "there no place for a bus to turn around and in some places it couldn't pull over to even allow a car to pass in the other direction."
Officials in Santa Barbara County are still meeting with each other, while doing their best to communicate with reps from the Jackson family. That hasn't been easy.

She says it just doesn't seem like anything big could happen this weekend, because there is too much to do and too many approvals to get in such a short time frame.

They know a ton of activity continues at the ranch, so state and local officials in the area are preparing if not for this weekend, then something very soon.

Again....as we reported yesterday when some news agencies insisted this was going to happen.....the people who need to know are still being kept in the dark and are frustrated and doing their best to prepare for something that may not even happen.

THE STORY
There are few ways to describe covering the death on Micheal Jackson. From bizarre to sad, the last few days have seemed to only spawn a massive amount of rumor, tabloid sources and an outpouring of tributes from fans who still stream down Hayvenhurst Avenue in swealtering valley heat.

They seemingly come from all over and carry everything from flowers and cards, to four-foot purple stuffed gorillas. At times the fans break into song and all take pictures of the massive media compound which stretches for a block along a dusty, dirt shoulder. Here we are penned in by metal barricades erected by the Los Angeles Police Department, but so are the fans across this little two-lane street.

There is so much to say and so many stories. From our affiliate reporter Craig Boswell getting run over by a hit and run driver, to the many fans and of course the odd way in which communication has come from the Jackson family. At some point when I have more time I will attempt to go into more detail.

In the meantime, here are some photos of our coverage and a timeline, in part I sent from my Twitter account.

1. state agencies are annoyed by lack of communication from Jackson family. 1:45pm Tuesaday

2. still covering Jackson. Still no decision. Still hot. Still Encino. 7:54pm Monday

3. is now in Encino live at the Jackson family home. 6:14 PM Jun 27th from mobile web

4. lawyers tell me "helping Dr. Murray through process and the doctor has been and always will Cooperate fully." 12:54 PM Jun 27th from mobile web

5. MJ on camera announcement out front of Coroner's Office in next couple of mins. 11:05 PM Jun 26th from mobile web

6. The LA County Police who protect the morgue have been told the family IS coming tonight and the coroner has asked them to try n do that. 8:19 PM Jun 26th from mobile web

7. investigators surprised to see significant scarring on his face, the first time any of them of course had seen MJ without make-up. 8:18 PM Jun 26th from mobile web

8. MJ's body being kept in its own crypt at the LA morgue under lock so that no pictures of the body will be leaked out. 8:17 PM Jun 26th from mobile web

9. the restaurant across the street from the Coroner's....called Michael J's. weird. 7:24 PM Jun 26th from mobile web

10. here they come. Presser any sec. 3:21 PM Jun 26th from mobile web

11. people driving blaring MJ, media slammed together on sidewalk. Presser soon. 1:06 PM Jun 26th from mobile web

12. coroner will speak at 1:3012:09 PM Jun 26th from mobile web

13. is live in front of the Coroner's Office. Autopsy more than half complete. 10:33 AM Jun 26th from mobile web

14. still hundreds of people out front of Hospital, holding a vigil. We r still live 10:18 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

15. fans are putting flowers, wreaths, etc on the wrong start because Jackson's is currently covered by red carpet for the Bruno premier. 8:09 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

16. LA County Coroner’s case number for Jackson is 2009-04415‬‪ 6:39 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

17. presser has started. Robbery Homocide assigned due to magnitude of case. 5:58 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

18 They are trying to find alternate location!!! Per UCLA because the auditorium inside isn't big enough. 5:26 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

19. In the moments following MJ's death -- so many people rushed to the Internet, that it practically crashed 4:58 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

20. hospital expected to release a statement in an hour or so.4:50 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

21. live outside hospital where it is a crazy scene in Westwood 4:20 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

22. yes MJ has died #fb3:30 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

23. Elizabeth Taylor being rushed to hospital to say good bye to MJ 3:17 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

24. LAPD source confirms to me that MJ rushed to hospital and not doing good. 2:30 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

25. reports that Michael Jackson may have been ruhed to the hospital. 1:43 PM Jun 25th from mobile web

The Pew Research Center for Excellence in Journalism calculates that between Jackson’s death Thursday and the end of the day Friday, “Sixty percent of the news coverage across 55 different news outlets was devoted to Jackson’s death.”  And that doesn’t include the primetime Michael Jackson specials that aired on the major broadcast networks.

Some are criticizing the type of coverage, rather than the amount.
National Review writer Jonah Goldberg questions the “unseemly amount of reverence and adoration” for a man accused of pedophilia.
Meantime, OK Magazine hits newsstands today with a cover photo of Michael Jackson in the ambulance with oxygen – dying or possibly dead.  The magazine reportedly paid $500,000 for the photo.

OK Magazine Editorial Director Sarah Ivens told Mediaweek, “It’s a photo that captures the surprise and the upset and the moment of this breaking news story.  I hope the cover will provoke readers.”

The New York Post quotes an unnamed insider calling the cover a disgrace, saying, “They've sunk to a new low."

Has the media as a whole sunk to a new low?  Or are news outlets just giving audiences what they want?  Should news outlets focus less on Jackson and more on Iran, North Korea, and other news stories?

The Pew Research Center points out that times have certainly changed, stating, “When Elvis Presley died in 1977, CBS News was criticized for choosing not to lead its newscast with it.”  Jackson has led the news coverage for days.

Do you think the Michael Jackson overage has been overkill?  Click “comments” below and share your thoughts.