Jackson centre-stage for one last time

Michael Jackson took centre stage for one last time tonight as family members helped carry his gold coffin into the biggest celebrity send-off ever.

Nelson Mandela and Diana Ross had led tributes to the King of Pop before Jackson’s coffin was taken on stage at the Los Angeles Staple Centre.

Praising Jackson for triumphing over tragedy in his life, Mandela said in a message read out by Smokey Robinson: “Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry and we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide.”

Many in the audience were visibly upset at the sight of the coffin. Fans were seen breaking down in tears as the body was brought in as the Andrae Crouch Choir sang on stage.

Mariah Carey appeared on stage to sing a duet version of the Jackson Five classic ‘I’ll Be There’.

Before the packed Staples Centre joined in several minutes’ silence for the star, singer Smokey Robinson read out messages from Ross and Mandela.

A message from Diana Ross said: “Michael wanted me to be there for his children and I will be there if they ever need me – I hope today brings closure for all those who loved him.

“I send my love and condolences to the Jackson family – Diana Ross.”

Former South Africa president Mr Mandela added: “We also mourn with his friends and his family for the loss of our dear friend (who) we will miss and memories of him cherish for a very long time.

“My wife and I, our family and friends, send you our condolences during this time. Be strong.”

The event was then hit by delays after the crowd stood in unison and clapped as Jackson’s family took their seats.

Before Lionel Richie appeared on stage to sing Jesus is Love, Queen Latifah appeared on stage to speak of the worldwide sadness over the pop legend's death.

“In Birmingham Alabama and Birmingham England, we are missing Michael Jackson,” she said.

Pastor Lucious Smith gave the first reading during the public memorial.

He said that through Michael’s “words, music and countless good deeds”, the pop singer “did so much to try and heal our world”.

A friend of the Jacksons, the pastor said: “To millions around the world, Michael Jackson was an idol, a hero, even a king. But first and foremost this man before us today was a brother, a son, a father and a friend.

“Michael Jackson was and always shall be a beloved part of the Jackson family.”

He added: “As long as we remember our time with him, the truth is he is never really gone at all. As long as we remember him he will be there forever to comfort us.”

Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, said later: “He raised the bar, then broke the bar.”

Gordy, who said Jackson ``turned into another person'' on stage, earned a roar of approval from the crowd when he said: ``He is quite simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.''

He said Michael was like “a son” to him.

The man who gave the Jacksons their first big break paid tribute to his qualities as a singer and musician.

“He studied the greats and became greater. He raised the barrier and then broke the barrier.

“His talent and creativity thrust him and entertainment into another stratosphere.

“When he did his first moonwalk, it was magic – Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down.”

The crowd screamed again as they were shown a digital montage of his life and career before Stevie Wonder appeared on stage to speak of his devastation.

Wonder dedicated his songs ‘Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer’ and ‘They Won't Go When I Go’ to Jackson.

Before launching into the first ballad, an emotional Wonder said: “This is a moment I wished I had never seen come.”

The Motown star added: “Michael, I loved you and I told you that many times, so I’m at peace with that.”

He adapted the lyrics to ‘Never Dreamed You’d Leave’ to include the line: “Michael, why didn’t you stay?”

Both tunes were sung to a standing ovation inside the auditorium.

As the show neared the end, one of Jackson's children paid a tearful tribute.

Paris Michael Katherine, his 12-year-old daughter, said, fighting tears: “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.”

Brother Jermaine thanked the crowd for attending on behalf of his family.

He said: “Thank you. That’s all I can say, Thank you very much.”

Another brother, Marlon, paid tribute.

He said: “Michael, when you left us, a part of me went with you, and a part of you will live forever within me, brother.”

Describing the pressures fame brought to his brother, he added: “We will never, never, understand what he endured. Not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathered around, being judged, being ridiculed, how much pain can one take?”