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Stevie Wonder, Mariah, Usher to attend Jackson memorial
(Agencies/CRI)
Updated: 2009-07-07 11:20
 A fan writes a message on a wall following the Michael Jackson public memorial at the Apollo Theater in New York June 30, 2009. [Photo: Xinhua/Reuters] The public memorial service for Michael Jackson at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Tuesday will feature some of the late singer's closest collaborators and friends. Among the stars expected to appear (and possibly perform) at the public event are Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Usher, John Mayer, Lionel Richie and Motown founder Berry Gordy, according to a statement from a spokesperson for the Jackson family. It is not specific which of the attendees will perform, but Carey is reportedly slated to reprise her famous cover of the Jackson song "I'll Be There" at the public ceremony and CNN has reported that Oscar-winning actress/singer Hudson will also sing at the event. Among the other confirmed participants are Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, Lakers icon Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III, Motown legend Smokey Robinson, Jackson family friend the Reverend Al Sharpton and Jackson's longtime pal, Brooke Shields. The service will be preceded by a private burial at a Los Angeles cemetery at 8am. The event will be produced by Grammy Awards producer Ken Ehrlich and directed by Kenny Ortega, the director of the London shows that were due to take place this summer, reports CNN. 8,750 people were each awarded two tickets via an online lottery over the weekend. 11,000 people will be seated inside the Staples Center, while 6,500 more people will watch on screens in the Nokia Theater next door. |
