Michael Jackson, Memorial | featured news

Michael Jackson's glimmering casket took center stage at the Staples Center, sitting for more than two hours as celebrities memorialized the King of Pop under the watchful eyes of millions. And when the ceremony was over, it was gone.

City attorney plans investigation of $1.4-million bill, but some see long-term gains from global exposure. Hours after the last eulogy to Michael Jackson bounced off the rafters of Staples Center, discussion in Los Angeles civic circles turned to more down-to-earth matters: Were the pop star's death and memorial a net fiscal loss or gain to the city, and should taxpayers get stuck with the tab?

Below are several of the biggest moments from Michael Jackson's memorial. Some are light-hearted, some are heart-breaking, but all are memorable.

Celebrities praise the late singer's life, and his daughter, Paris Katherine Jackson, delivers a tearful statement to the Staples Center crowd: 'Daddy has been the best father you can imagine.'

Music legends, sports figures, and civil rights leaders paid tribute to Michael Jackson today during an emotional, song-filled service at Staples Center that was part polished entertainment, part revival meeting.

LAPD Chief William J. Bratton said today Michael Jackson's body will be at Staples Center for the memorial service. It was unclear how his body would get from Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary to Staples.

Some of the biggest names in pop music, from singers Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder to Motown records founder Berry Gordy, will take part in Michael Jackson's memorial on Tuesday, the family said.

Organizers of an elaborate Michael Jackson memorial said on Friday they would give away 17,500 tickets for Tuesday's event for the late "King of Pop" but have to yet to set the program for the event.

Staples Center will be the site of a public memorial service on Tuesday for Michael Jackson, a publicist for the Jackson family said Thursday, but it is unclear who will pay for the massive law enforcement deployment necessary for the event. A spokesman for the singer's family said 11,000 tickets will be distributed for the 10 a.m. event, which will be free.