From Christian Audigier
“I am at a loss for words.” said Elizabeth Taylor, along with many of Michael Jackson’s fans, friends and family who are in mourning over his passing. In what I am about to tell you in regards to Michael Jackson’s memorial today, will be many, many words that I have conjured up throughout the day that you will hopefully relate to. I know you, along with myself, have been at a loss or maybe a struggle for words too. But we do know that we loved him and he inspired us in many ways. We know that he has affected our souls deep down in indescribable ways. We know that we are sad. We know that Michael loved us. We are searching…
After I left the memorial today, and hours later sitting here writing this, I am able to finally come up with words that make some sense. This journey with Michael for the last week has been a challenging one for you, us and fans around the world. Here’s our story…
Yesterday on Monday July 6, The Count and I got our golden tickets for Michael Jackson’s Tuesday Memorial at the Los Angeles Staples Center. By the grace of God, we were given tickets by a ThecounT.com reader Eddie Graves. Eddie was not able to make it to the memorial, and he was kind enough to forward us the tickets. Thank you Eddie.
We got a hotel in downtown L.A. near the Staples Center, guaranteeing us close entrance to the memorial. The prediction in the news stated that there would be millions of people in the hot sun, overcrowding the area. The Los Angeles Police even advised people to stay home if they didn’t have memorial tickets, rather than come downtown to the event at all. They also said that ‘people who come without tickets and wristbands, will not have access within the block, or within eyesight of the Staples Center.
Outside Jackson Memorial
We left 30 minutes til’ 10:00AM, before the memorial begun. When we arrived at the corner across from Olympic Blvd., we passed through an array of people selling Michael T-shirts, selling food, water, gloves, brochures, pictures and there were even news reporters mixed in. Almost every person I saw was carrying a camera. It was camera crazy! Just across the street was the Staples Center, and sure enough, there was a huge squad of police and security blocking the way against ticketless people. This was the first checkpoint. We had to show the hoards of police our golden wristbands-just to cross the street! Then we finally got across the street and they tightened up the entrance area with more police, making us show our wristbands again. At the third checkpoint, closer to the doors, we had to show our tickets AND wristbands. At the fourth checkpoint, we had to go through security sensors. *(On the ticket vouchers we received in our emails, it stated that NO cameras or video cameras were allowed-that changed! Half of the ticketholders were flashing throughout! We did not bring ours but we got a few iPhone shots for you.)*
We finally got inside of the stadium. We felt lucky. We felt very very lucky. Blessed…
Inside the Memorial "Heal the World"
We finally got to our seats just in time as the ceremony was beginning. The entire stadium was packed full. The lights were dim. The stage was set for music. There was a podium for speeches. There were empty front row chairs awaiting special guests. A spotlight shined on the area where we expected Michael would be resting. The room was silent. Expect the unexpected? We were in a state of shock, confusion, excitement, sadness, happiness. We sat quietly and waited.
Then, legend Smokey Robinson came out to speak kind words about he and Michael’s friendship, along with their music partnership. Smokey left the stage, which led to a long 30 minute pause, and then finally, a choir began to sing. From behind and beside the stage, out came the Jackson Brothers, and a few other men as pallbearers, carrying Michael’s casket to the middle of the room. As the casket came around the corner, the crowd slowly realized, while in a state of curiosity and shock, that THIS was Michael’s casket. Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, The Legend himself, was in the room.
Family, friends and fans, began to cry. Some people stood up out of their seats. Some stayed seated. Men wept. Women wept. Some people seemed neutral. The room vibed an intense mix of emotions that were almost unexplainable to me, and maybe even to the people themselves. We didn’t know whether to applaud or cry.
Michael’s golden casket was set almost in the middle of the room so everyone could see. It was covered in red and white roses…Michael was there.
Speeches and performances from legends began…
The Jackson’s family pastor Lucious Smith, then came out and spoke. He said, “We come together in the space where only days ago Michael sang and dance and brought joy the way only he could … as long as we remember him, he will be there forever to comfort us.”
Mariah Carey came out and sang Jackson 5 song “I’ll be there.” It was very beautiful.
Queen Latifah came out and read a poem by Maya Anglou. Queen stated that Michael was “the biggest star on earth.”
Lionel Richie performed song “Jesus is Love.”
Berry Gordy said, “I simply think that he’s the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”
Then there was a video montage of Michael’s music videos, charity events, concerts, Neverland Ranch, etc.
Legend Stevie Wonder came out and spoke while sitting at his piano. He sang a song dedicated to Michael called “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer.”
Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson then came out together and Kobe pointed out that Michael ‘made the Guiness Book of World Records stating that Michael broke the record for most charities ever supported by a Pop star.’ Magic commented that when he and Michael met about acting in Michael’s video “Remember the Time”, Michael was eating KFC Kentucky Fried Chicken, while Magic was eating grilled chicken from the chef! 
Jennifer Hudson sang “Will You Be There?”
Al Sharpton said, “There was nothing strange about your Daddy, it was strange what your Daddy had to deal with, and he dealt with it [speaking to kids].” This caused a huge applause.
John Mayer played guitar on song “Human Nature”, accompanied by back-up singers.
Actress Brooke Shields made spoke kind words about her and Michael’s friendship throughout the years.
Michael’s brother, and Jackson 5 member, Jermaine Jackson sang the song “Smile.” This song is said to be Michael’s favorite song.
Martin Luther King III, alongside his sister Bernice. He read some words from Martin Luther King. Bernice said, “Nothing will separate the family from the love of God.”
Usher then performed song “Gone Too Soon”, from Michael’s album “Dangerous.” Usher walked down and put his hand on the coffin. He became so sad, that his voice broke at the end of the song.
Kid singer, Shaheen Jafargholi performed Jackson 5 song, “Who’s Lovin’ You”. Shaheen was invited to one of Michael’s shows in London.
Kenny Ortega introduced “We Are the World.” Every performer came back out on the stage. Then the song “Heal the World” brought up Michael’s kids Paris, Prince and Blanket, along with more people from the audience.
Marlin Jackson shared the last words he had with his brother. Marlin told Jackson, “I love you.” Michael replied, “I love you more.”
Michael’s daughter Paris said a few words on stage. She said, “I just wanted to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best Father you can ever imagine. I just want to say I love him so much.”
Lastly, Pastor Lucious came back out for a closing prayer. He asked that everyone hold hands and join together for a prayer. Michael always wanted us to come together and we did for him. We all held hands. The feeling was electric. The entire stadium united as one. We cried, we prayed. We all connected like Michael wanted. He was smiling down. You got your wish Michael
World News at Staples MJ Memorial
The ceremony was dismissed, and the crowd began to exit the stadium. Just outside, was a packed full, blocked off street, filled with news and media from around the world! Interviews were being given to fans. The Michael Jackson wall of memories was signed to the max! Michael impersonators were there. Everyone was taking photos of everything and everyone! It was camera crazy!
Lisa Mason Lee at signed MJ wall
Lisa Mason Lee and MJ impersonator
We then walked over to the end of the street which was filled with about 60 policeman on one corner! Police motorcycles, horses, hummers, paddy wagons, night sticks, shields, guns, barricades-high security! We found out that Michael’s procession to Forest Lawn cemetery had just left, and we just saw the end of the remaining cars.
That was the end… Michael was gone.
As I sit here and still search for words, the thing that lifts my head back up just when I think of Michael’s passing, is that Michael will live on forever. One of the greatnesses behind his legacy, was to ‘treat everyone equal.’ To not pass judgment upon people and their differences. To think in the spirit of a child’s mind. To join together no matter what color or race you are. He lived and breathed the idea of being ‘one.’ He taught us so many lessons…you see it now.
He will be missed, but he will always be in our minds and in our hearts forever.
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