Michael Jackson, The Memorial - Shaheen Jafargholi performing "Who's Loving You"

Michael Jackson's family and fans have said farewell to the pop superstar at an emotional memorial service.

Jackson's daughter Paris, 11, fought back tears to describe him as as "the best father you can ever imagine".

The singer's coffin was placed in front of the stage during the event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles after an earlier private funeral.

Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey paid tribute before the family joined a sombre finale on stage.

Stevie Wonder said: "This is a moment I wished I didn't live to see come. Michael I love you."

The crowd cheered as the golden flower-draped coffin entered the arena to the strains of a choir singing "Hallelujah, hallelujah, we're going to see the King" from the song Soon And Very Soon.

Mariah Carey opened the show, performing I'll Be There, ending with the words: "We miss you."
Jackson's brother Jermaine took to the stage to perform the song Smile. It was said to be the King of Pop's favourite song, featuring the lyric: "Smile though your hearts are aching."

Others paying tribute included Lionel Richie, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah and Brooke Shields.

Some sang, while others spoke about their memories of the King of Pop and his influence on music and society. Many embraced family members as they left the stage.

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[MattGoneWrong]

you're an idiot you mean. The kid was there because MJ loved him & the Jackson's asked for him personally, nothing to do with Cowell. Leave your judgmental , sensationalist claptrap for another time mate. The boy is 12, singing at MJ's funeral in front of billions worldwide & a room full of legends & that's all you can say? I'm no fan of Cowell's mob either but I can appreciate a kid with a hell of a voice. He loved MJ & it was a big thing for the lad.

[AAAABritish]

michael wasnt only the king pop he was all of our kings

he was the man that brought all races togethor!

it doesnt matter if ur black or white!!!

R.I.P THE KING!

[Arabmaffia]

this lil bastard smashd it

[jpsmart59]

Esta vuvoes, el rey de pop. No tas muertos.

[greattimed]

@akilahj2 we wanted shaheen on his tour apparently

[GabbyEliO]

Actually, it was revealed that MJ had seen Shaheen on youtube, and thought he was fantastic.... which was why Shaheen was going to be MJ's support act- because he's so good, and michael saw the talent there.

[akilahj2]

Matt, clearly you are a moron. MJ 'loved him??' Michael never heard of him. This was put together by Syco records which is owned by Cowell. I repeat, funerals are no place for record promo's.

[raeder1100]

armyabn, ha ha ha your comment didnt get a rise out of ANYONE.you must be 1 insignificant little fuckin worm. this kid is a proper human being

[akilahj2]

How the hell can this kid who sang so horribly get to perform at MJ's memorial? Since when has a funeral been the place for a promo by one of Simon Cowell's acts? WTF. I am disgusted.

[SherylHadleigh]

Bless him, he did sooo well! RIP MJ, the memorial was so sad :( xx