The world bid farewell to Music legend Michael Jackson on Tuesday with tears, laughter and performances at his public memorial service, which was dedicated to celebrating the life of the world's only King of Pop.We have an offensive going on in Afghanistan, a counter-offensive by the Taliban in the same place, the ayatollahs in Iran at each other's throats, AQI trying for a comeback in Iraq, Somalia about to fall to Islamists again, North Korea's trying to chew through the national straps, and Venezuela about to invade Honuras. Michael Jackson was pretty much everything on the news.
Thousands gathered outside the Los Angeles Staples Center and an estimated billion people tuned in on television and online as the memorial kicked off with messages of condolences from South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, and singer Diana Ross, who were absent from the star-studded event along with Jackson's close friend Elizabeth Taylor.
"Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry. And we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide," said Mandela's message, read out by singer Smokey Robinson as millions tuned in around the world to watch the tribute.
Music superstar Mariah Carey opened the night of performances with her cover of the Jackson Five's song "I'll Be There," which she sang standing in front of Jackson's gold-plated casket -- placed at the front of the stage.
Top singers Usher, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson and John Mayor also performed in between speeches from the likes of actress Queen Latifa, who read out a poem by famous author Maya Angelou, followed by a speech by a tearful Brooke Shields.
Basketball stars Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III were also in attendance.
One of the biggest ovations came after remarks made by Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown records who launched Jackson's career. "The more I think and talk about Michael Jackson, I feel the King of Pop is not big enough for him. I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived," said Gordy to sustained cheers.