Smokey Robinson began the memorial by reading statements from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela, who were not in attendance.
There was a 20 minute delay in the memorial after Robinson took the stage as the Jackson family was seated.
When the Jackson family entered the Staples Center, the crowd gave them a standing ovation and reverent applause.
A choir took the stage and began singing as Jackson’s casket was brought in front of the stage. Pall bearers included all of Michael’s brothers, who paid homage to him by wearing white, sequined gloves.
Pastor Lucious Smith, a close friend to the Jackson family, delivered a eulogy.
Mariah Carey emerged on the stage to sing the classic Jackson 5 song “I’ll Be There.” The diva seemed a bit shaky at the beginning of the song. She was joined by Trey Lorenz on the tune.
Queen Latifah delivered a speech about Michael. She also read a poem written by Maya Angelou.
Lionel Richie then stepped on stage to perform his song “Jesus is Love.”
Founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy, delivered a speech saying “Micheal Jackson was like a son to me.” He remembered when The Jackson 5 auditioned for him in Detroit. He recalled the magic of Michael’s performance of “Billie Jean” at Motown’s 25th anniversary show. The Jackson 5 were the first group to have their first four singles go to number one. Gordy called Jackson, “Simply the greatest entertainer who ever lived.” He ended his speech saying, “Michael, thank you for the joy and the love and you will live in my heart forever.”
The Jackson brothers all wore matching yellow ties and the famed sequined MJ white glove.
Stevie Wonder took the stage and somberly addressed the death of Michael Jackson saying, “God is good, I do know that as much as we may feel, that we need Michal here with us, God must have needed him far more. Michael I love you and I told you many times, so I am at peace with that.” He performed his 1971 song “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer” for Jackson.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson spoke. They talked about their personal relationships with Michael. Johnson said that Jackson made him a better basketball player and a better person. He added a funny story about eating dinner with Michael Jackson. When Michael’s personal chef asked Johnson what he would like, the athlete responded, “Grilled chicken.” Later, the chef brought out some grilled chicken for Johnson and place a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken for Michael. Johnson said this was one of the highlights of his life. They both sat on the floor and ate KFC together.
Jennifer Hudson graced the stage and sang “Say You’ll Be There.”
Reverend Al Sharpton took the stage and spoke about Michael. He remembered the first time he met the singer and how Jackson changed the world, saying he broke color barriers and helped people all over the world. He added a message to Jackson’s children saying, “There was nothing strange about your daddy. What your daddy dealt with was strange and he dealt with it for us.”
John Mayer hit the stage and played a moving version of “Human Nature.” The crowd sang along with the mainly instrumental version. Afterwards, Mayer gave his respect and condolences to Michael’s family.
Brooke Shields shared memories her times with Michael. They met when she was 13 and she said their relationship was “natural and the easiest of friendships…. we had a bond… I used to tease him and say I started at 11 months old, you were a slacker, you started when you were five.” She choked back tears as she went on about how Michael tried to teach her to moonwalk. Shields added that Michael’s favorite song was “Smile,” written by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times. It contains a line, “Smile although your hearts are aching.”
Jermaine Jackson took the stage to perform the aforementioned song “Smile.” The crowd gave Jermaine an immediate standing ovation.
Martin Luther King, III and Bernice King, children of Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke.
Texas congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee then delivered a speech. She received roaring applause, one of the loudest in the arena so far. She said, “America appreciates and thanks you for Michael Jackson’s life.” Then, while holding up a framed copy of a House bill she added, “For that reason, we have introduced into the House of Representatives this Resolution 600 that will be debated on the floor of the House that claims Michael Jackson as an American legend and musical icon, a world humanitarian – someone who will be honored forever and forever and forever and forever.”
Usher graced the stage to perform Michael Jackson’s 1993 song “Gone Too Soon.” During the song, he walked off the stage and placed his hand on Jackson’s casket and sang to Michael. He held back tears as he finished the song.
Smokey Robinson returned to the stage to deliver his eulogy. He said, “Michael will live on forever and ever and ever. He has made an enormous impact on all of us.”
12-year old Shaheen Jafargholi, a finalist from Britain’s Got Talent who Jackson saw and considered using for his upcoming shows in London, performed Michael’s song “Who’s Lovin’ You.”
Kenny Ortega, director of the High School Musical films, was working with Jackson on a concert film documenting his comeback tour. He introduced a live performance of “We Are The World” that would have been a part of Jackson’s This Is It comeback show. Jackson’s family, including his three children, and his friends all walked on stage to sing along. They swayed together while singing “Heal The World.”
Jermaine Jackson then thanked everyone for coming out and their support.
Marlon Jackson struggled with words at first, but said, “Part of me died with you but part of you will live on forever.” He shared some fun memories about Michael. Marlon then asked Michael to “give his twin brother Brandon a hug for me.” Brandon was stillborn during an emergency C-section.
In a very touching and sad moment, Michael’s daughter, Paris, spoke. She said, “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 then began to cry and turned to her aunt, Janet Jackson.
