This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/8137700.stm

The article has changed 35 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 22 Version 23
Fans and stars remember Jackson Fans and stars remember Jackson
(20 minutes later)
Fans, family, friends and stars are saying farewell to Michael Jackson at a memorial service in Los Angeles.Fans, family, friends and stars are saying farewell to Michael Jackson at a memorial service in Los Angeles.
His coffin was carried into the Staples Center in Los Angeles by his brothers following an earlier private funeral.His coffin was carried into the Staples Center in Los Angeles by his brothers following an earlier private funeral.
It was put in front of the stage as his siblings, parents and children sat in the front row, with the brothers wearing single jewelled gloves.It was put in front of the stage as his siblings, parents and children sat in the front row, with the brothers wearing single jewelled gloves.
Stevie Wonder paid tribute, saying: "This is a moment I wished I didn't live to see come. Michael I love you."Stevie Wonder paid tribute, saying: "This is a moment I wished I didn't live to see come. Michael I love you."
The crowd cheered as the flower-draped coffin entered the arena to the strains of a choir singing "Hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the King" from the song Soon And Very Soon.The crowd cheered as the flower-draped coffin entered the arena to the strains of a choir singing "Hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the King" from the song Soon And Very Soon.
The stage was adorned with flowers and a tribute to Jackson Reporters' log: Live updatesThe stage was adorned with flowers and a tribute to Jackson Reporters' log: Live updates
Mariah Carey opened the show, performing I'll Be There, ending with the words: "We miss you."Mariah Carey opened the show, performing I'll Be There, ending with the words: "We miss you."
Motown boss Berry Gordy, who signed the Jackson Five, delivered a personal tribute, ending with the words: "Michael, thank you for the joy, thank you for the love. you will live in my heart forever." Jackson's brother Jermaine took to the stage to perform the song Smile, while others paying tribute included Lionel Richie, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah and Brooke Shields.
Some sang, while others spoke about their memories of the King of Pop and his influence on music and society. Many embraced family members as they left the stage.
The BBC's Matthew Price, who is in the arena, said: "It's had to clearly see the family but the glimpses I'm getting show a family both in mourning, and in celebration of his life.
"There are moments of the intensely personal in this very public event."
Motown boss Berry Gordy, who signed the Jackson Five, ended his tribute with the words: "Michael, thank you for the joy, thank you for the love. you will live in my heart forever."
The 17,500 people in the arena cheered as clips of Jackson's life and music were played on big screens.The 17,500 people in the arena cheered as clips of Jackson's life and music were played on big screens.
Messages were read from absent guests including former South African President Nelson Mandela, poet Maya Angelou and singer Diana Ross.Messages were read from absent guests including former South African President Nelson Mandela, poet Maya Angelou and singer Diana Ross.
Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can't seem to find words to express Diana Ross
The message from Ross was read by Smokey Robinson. "I'm trying to find closure," it said.The message from Ross was read by Smokey Robinson. "I'm trying to find closure," it said.
"I want you to know that even though I am not there at the Staples Center I am there in my heart."I want you to know that even though I am not there at the Staples Center I am there in my heart.
"Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can't seem to find words to express."Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can't seem to find words to express.
"Michael wanted me to be there for his children and I will be there if they ever need me. I hope today brings closure for all those who loved him.""Michael wanted me to be there for his children and I will be there if they ever need me. I hope today brings closure for all those who loved him."
There is a huge international media presence outside the Staples Center
Lionel Richie, Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah also paid tribute.
Other people taking part include Usher and Britain's Got Talent finalist Shaheen Jafargholi, who has played the young Michael Jackson in the musical Thriller - Live.Other people taking part include Usher and Britain's Got Talent finalist Shaheen Jafargholi, who has played the young Michael Jackson in the musical Thriller - Live.
The stage is adorned with the star's image, alongside a mural carrying the words: "In Loving Memory. Michael Jackson King of Pop - 1958-2009."The stage is adorned with the star's image, alongside a mural carrying the words: "In Loving Memory. Michael Jackson King of Pop - 1958-2009."
There is a huge international media presence outside the Staples Center
Millions of fans around the world are watching on TV.Millions of fans around the world are watching on TV.
Roads were closed off and concrete barriers erected outside the Staples Center, where Jackson had been rehearsing a comeback show before his sudden death aged 50 on 25 June.Roads were closed off and concrete barriers erected outside the Staples Center, where Jackson had been rehearsing a comeback show before his sudden death aged 50 on 25 June.
Family members had earlier attended a funeral service at the Forest Lawn cemetery.
It is not known where Jackson's final resting place will be. Early reports suggested he would be buried at his infamous Neverland Ranch, but this may prove impossible due to California's complex planning laws.
He could be buried at Forest Lawn, alongside the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Andy Gibb, Liberace, Mary Pickford, George Burns and Clara Bow.
MEMORIAL LINE-UP Stevie Wonder (pictured)Mariah CareyUsherLionel RichieKobe BryantJennifer HudsonJohn MayerMartin Luther King IIIRev Al SharptonSmokey RobinsonBrooke ShieldsShaheen JafargholiBerry Gordy
More than 1.6 million fans applied to attend the memorial event, with 8,750 people chosen at random to receive a pair of tickets.More than 1.6 million fans applied to attend the memorial event, with 8,750 people chosen at random to receive a pair of tickets.
BBC News reporter Peter Bowes says there was an "air of tension" as fans filed into the memorial.
"Security is intense but the process of getting people inside has been orderly," he added.
"The huge media presence outside has created a circus-like atmosphere."
The Los Angeles Police Department, trying to avoid a mob scene, warned those without tickets they would not be able to get close to the venue.
One person not attending is Jackson's former wife and the mother of two of his children, Debbie Rowe.One person not attending is Jackson's former wife and the mother of two of his children, Debbie Rowe.
"The onslaught of media attention has made it clear her attendance would be an unnecessary distraction to an event that should focus exclusively on Michael's legacy," her lawyer Marta Almli said in a statement."The onslaught of media attention has made it clear her attendance would be an unnecessary distraction to an event that should focus exclusively on Michael's legacy," her lawyer Marta Almli said in a statement.
"Debbie will continue to celebrate Michael's memory privately." About 50 cinemas across the US are showing the memorial live. It is also being relayed to big screens across the UK, Australia and Hong Kong.
Jackson's long-time friend Elizabeth Taylor has also declined the opportunity to speak at the memorial. Family members earlier attended a short funeral service at the Forest Lawn cemetery.
"I cannot be part of the public whoopla [sic]," she wrote on Twitter.
"And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word."
"I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others. How I feel is between us. Not a public event."
About 50 cinemas across the US are showing the memorial live.
It is also being relayed to big screens across the UK, Australia and Hong Kong.
Are you a Michael Jackson fan?Are you a Michael Jackson fan?
Send us your video tributes to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.Send us your video tributes to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.