Seen and heard at Jackson’s memorial service
LOS ANGELES — The unprecedented public memorial for Michael Jackson drew fans, stars, onlookers, street vendors and countless police officers. A glimpse into the scene outside and inside Staples Center:
As fans slowly file into Staples Center, the jumbo screens overhead show an image of a smiling Michael Jackson and read, “In loving memory of Michael Jackson King of Pop, 1958-2009.”
Holders of VIP tickets slipped through a side door to access their premier seats. The usher working the VIP door says, “Have your tickets out please, unless you’re Janet Jackson.”
Smokey Robinson just arrived, followed by Verne Troyer in a tiny wheelchair.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson was welcomed by a smattering of applause. When Kobe Bryant walked into the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers.
When a voice over the loudspeaker says the service is about to start, the entire stadium hushes to a whisper.
Audience members stand and sing along with Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz, reprising their cover of “I’ll Be There.” Many are shooting it with handheld cameras.
Fans continue to file in, more than 45 minutes after the service began.
Coroner Ed Winter, who’s investigating Jackson’s death, just took a seat inside Staples.
A sign-language interpreter translates the service for a small group of fans.
Don King just came in — an hour late!
Stevie Wonder gets his own standing ovation.
All of Staples is clapping along with Jennifer Hudson as she sings “Will You Be There.” Small groups of fans are swaying together.
Nearly every speaker and performance is punctuated by a standing ovation. During quiet breaks, fans yell out, “We love you, Michael!” and break into spontaneous chants of “Michael! Michael!”
No standing O for John Mayer, though, after his instrumental version of “Human Nature” on the guitar.
Fans who were dancing just moments earlier are now crying during Brooke Shields’ teary remembrances of her old friend.
The Staples Center lobby is empty except for a few police officers watching the service on a television monitor.
Someone in the crowd just shouted, “Long live the king!” and drew applause.
Lots of people are watching the service through their cameras and cell phones.
Many fans are crying as Jackson’s 11-year-old daughter, Paris Michael Katherine, tells the audience she loves her father.
Very slow getting out of Staples Center, navigating the crowds and barricades.
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