Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Jackson siblings speak from the heart

Marlon Jackson had a very difficult time talking about his brother. He shared a memory about being able to recognize Michael no matter what he looked like. He talked about his brother being judged, ridiculed and in pain, saying that now, maybe people will leave him alone.

Paris, Michael's daughter, sobbed as she said, "I just wanted to say 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."

We Are (and Heal) the World

There's only one way to end a memorial like this:

We Are the World.

The performance began with a number of people who were involved in his upcoming concert series, "This Is It." However, the other performers quickly spilled out and joined in...

As you can imagine, the performance was stirring, emotional, and incredible.

Michael's family jumped on the stage and joined in...Janet was singing...his brother's were singing...and his children were singing as well. It was just great.

Even more people spilled onto the stage for "Heal the World"...

Quite a show, huh? Fitting for a king...

A child sings...

Young Britain's Got Talent finalist Shaheen Jafargholi performed "Who's Loving You," in a VERY young-Michael style. I'd guess he's about 11 years old? His voice is awesome!

He thanked Michael Jackson and told everyone he loved him.

Michael had invited Shaheen to join him at his London concerts.

Robinson: He Will Live Forever

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Smokey Robinson talked about his song, "I Want You Back" that Jackson covered when he was just 10 years old...this is the song that Barry Gordy discussed earlier in the evening.

Robinson said he had many blessing in his life...and one was knowing the Jackson family. Robinson added that he was lucky to see the greatest entertainer of all-time.
Robinson said Jackson will live forever in heaven and on earth.

Usher: Gone Too Soon

Usher broke down while ending his beautiful version of "Gone Too Soon," Michael's song dedicated to Ryan White, a young AIDS patient. This song is from 1993.

I thought he was trying to hide his emotions with his dark glasses, but he took them off at the moment he was most emotional.

MLK's Family: He Was a Shining Light

MLK III shared some of his father's thoughts and discussed how Michael followed those thoughts.

MLK Jr.'s daughter said Michael demonstrated God's love in an effort to bring the world together. She said Michael called her mother Coretta Scott King during her final days. She said Michael called her America's true royal family. She said her mother was unable to speak, but she lit up on the inside....a touching story.

Smile Though Your Heart is Aching

Jermaine Jackson said that Michael always liked this song, and when he tried to sing it to Today Show crews earlier, he was unable to get through it without crying.

I love the words to this song.

All the brothers are wearing matching ties, and I think the sequined glove is a nice touch. I know the Jacksons are professional performers but I cannot imagine ever having to sing at my brother's funeral. That may have to be one of the hardest things he'll ever do, although he seems extremely composed.