Michael Jackson Takes Center Stage At Memorial

Michael Jackson staged one of his most amazing 'appearances' as his remains took centre stage at his memorial service in Los Angeles minutes ago.

As The Andrae Crouch Choir started singing gospel tune We Are Going To See The King, the King of Pop's coffin, covered with red roses, was carried through the Staples Center, where 18,000 people had gathered to pay tribute to the late star.

Pallbearers included members of Jackson's family and friends of the Thriller star, who died last month.

The choir performed before a simple church setting at the sports arena, with a sunset image of stained glass windows hanging behind the singers.

Following a moment's silence, Pastor Lucius Smith took to the stage to begin the live tributes to the King of Pop. He recalled that the late star had been performing at Staples Center in the days leading up to his death.

He stated, "As long as we remember him, he will be there forever to comfort us. In his very beautiful and human heart, Michael Jackson wanted nothing more than to give love to the world... and perhaps be loved back in return."

After the pastor's solemn words, Mariah Carey hit the stage to begin the celebrity performance tributes with her rendition of Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There, as images of Jackson appeared on a big screen behind her.

She was joined onstage by Trey Lorenz, who recorded a 1992 duet of the song, which became Carey's first worldwide number one.

Carey finished her tribute by stating, "We miss you."

Other who performed at the memorial included: Lionel Richie, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, and his brother, Jermaine Jackson. Brooke Shields, Queen Latifah, Rev. Al Sharpton, Berry Gordy and many more spoke during the ceremony.