The public memorial for Michael Jackson was filled with memories about him and with one of the star’s dearest friends performances. The show started with Smokey Robinson who read a condolence letter from Nelson Mandela, one of Michael’s personal friends.

The casket Michael was in was put in front of the stage lit by lights. There was the moment where pastor Lucious Smith spoke about Michael Jackson. “To millions around the world, Michael Jackson was a hero, an idol and even a king but first and foremost, he was a… brother…. a friend. Today we gather those who know and love Michael best and those who know and love him through his good works…”, he said.

Then Mariah Carey sang “I’ll Be There” in duet with Trey Lorenz. It seemed that Mariah was crying while singing.

Queen Latifah had a sensitive moment revealing her childhood filled with Michael’s music. Then she read a poem especially written for Michael and called “We Had You”.

After showing a video montage of Jackson, Stevie Wonder played “Why Didn’t You Stay.”

Magic Johnson talked about the time when he went to see Michael in order to appear in his video ”Remember the Time” and he found the star eating and he was invited too. In consequence “We had such a great time, sitting on the floor, eating that bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken”, Magic said.

Jennifer Hudson then performed Michael Jackson’s “Will You Be There”

John Mayer played guitar and made his O face to “Human Nature” while a choir sang behind him.

Brooke Shields talked about her friendship with Michael “It was the most natural and easiest of friendships…. Micheal loved to laugh… he adored it when I did silly imitations or told him stories about my life…MJ’s laughs… was the purest of anyone I’ve ever known.”

Jermaine Jackson then came on to sing that song, “Smile Though Your Heart is Aching”

US congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also gave a speech. “We understand the Constitution, we understand law, and we know that people are innocent until proven guilty…Michael never stopped giving and he touched those whose lives could be reconstructed.” She said they have a new bill to honor Michael Jackson and had a moment of silence on the House floor in honor of MJ.

Usher then sang “Gone Too Soon” and stood next to MJ’s casket. He was also crying.

Shaheen Jafargholi from Britain’s Got Talent sang “Who’s Loving You” . It seems that Shaheen was invited to sing with Michael Jackson for his O2 shows.

Then the family members come out and spoke very touching.

Jermaine Jackson: “I would like to thank everyone for coming out. I am lost for words. I was his voice, and his backbone, so was the family… we thank you, we thank you very much.”

Marlin Jackson: “I’m hurt. I stand here trying to find words of comfort, solace, trying to understand why the lord has taken our brother to return home after such a sort time. Michael when you left us, part of me left… a part of you will live forever in all of us. Michael I will treasure the good times, singing, loving, laughing. We will never, ever understand what he endured, not being able to walk across the street without a crowd… being judged, ridiculed. How much pain can one man take?Maybe now Michael they will leave you alone… Michael I love you.”

He said he had one request, “Give our brother, my twin brother Brandon, a hug for me.” That was really sad.

Paris, Michael’s daughter, then came on crying and said “I just want to say, ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could every imagine. I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

Then the family carried the casket off stage.

Photo: Huffingtonpost.com