Mariah Carey opened with a choking rendition of 'I'll Be There' and the Jacksons got on stage for the final medley of 'We Are the World' and 'Heal the World'.
- Jul 8, 2009
AceShowbiz - Family, close friends and fans gathered at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 7 to celebrate the life and death of Michael Jackson. Apart from speech, accolades and testimony, stars who have shared memories of him took the stage to perform in the late singer's honor.
Mariah Carey was the first to dedicate a song to him, singing her famous cover of Jackson Five's hit "I'll Be There". She was joined in the middle by Trey Lorenz, her long-time collaborator who joined her in the song back in 1992 during MTV Unplugged. Bringing it in gospel tone, Mariah slipped in Michael's name and added "Never can say goodbye".
Stevie Wonder, who was also in Motown during Michael's golden years, sat behind the piano to sing a medley of his '70s songs "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and "They Won't Go When I Go". Before starting his piece, he said "This is a moment that I wished to never see come. But as much as I can say that, and mean it, I do know that God is good, and I don't know that as much as we feel, and we do, that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more. Michael, I love you and I told you that many times, so I'm at peace with that."
Jermaine Jackson made a tribute for his little brother right after Brooke Shields gave a speech about Michael's favorite song, "Smile". Based on the lyrics, Brooke said Michael would want them to smile even though "your heart is aching". Jermaine, choking near to the end of the song, closed his set by throwing a rose on top of Michael's casket.
"Britain's Got Talent" finalist Shaheen Jafargholi whose voice is a resemblance to young Michael, paid a tribute by singing "Who's Loving You". He was personally invited by the Jacksons because they knew he was a fan of Michael. "I just want to thank you so much for blessing me and every single person on this earth with your amazing music," Shaheen said after singing. "Thank you very much, Michael Jackson."
The last 10 minutes of the memorial was dedicated to a medley of "We Are the World" and "Heal the World" by various artists. Some of these people are the backing singers who were supposed to support Michael during his "This Is It" concert. The family members, including Michael's three children, were also on stage along with the singers who had performed before.
The memorial service included also performances by Usher, Andrae Crouch Choir, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Hudson and John Mayer.
- Mariah Carey
- Stevie Wonder
- Jermaine Jackson
- Shaheen Jafargholi
- We Are the World/Heal the World
