The first thing that caught my attention was how much love there was in the Staples Center. The ambiance was respectful, without any unforeseen problems or hate or violence. Michael Jackson would've liked that.
Considering how important Michael Jackson was to music and vice versa, it should come as no surprise that there would be musical performances throughout the show. The first performer was Mariah Carey, performing I'll Be There, a song she remade years ago to great success. I am not a fan of Mariah Carey but I have to admit it was a solid, wonderful rendition of a classic song.
I was also extremely impressed with Jermaine Jackson's rendition of Smile (apparently Michael's favorite song), one of my favorite tracks off the HIStory album, and Usher's delivery of Gone Too Soon. And the show was capped off with rousing, emotional group performances of We Are The World and Heal The World. Other performers for the night included Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Jennifer Hudson, and John Mayer.
Of course it wasn't all about the music, as many of Michael's celebrity friends delivered their personal anecdotes from the life they shared with him. Some were touching. Some were funny. All of them good. The eulogies by Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson, the Reverand Al Sharpton, and Berry Gordon come to mind.
And in what is now a news and Internet sensation, the show was capped off with a startlingly real and emotional outburst from Paris Michael Jackson, Michael's daughter. It was absolutely heart-wrenching, and clears whatever little doubts that lingered in my mind that Michael Jackson was a good, kind man who wanted nothing more than to deliver peace and happiness to the world, be a role model and shining beacon for children around the world, and a virtuoso performer par excellence.
It was a wonderful way to spend two and a half hours, saying goodbye to one of the greatest musical talents the world has ever known.
The world may not have been kind to or appreciative of Michael over the past 15 years or so, but his music is immortal and forever, and it is from his legacy that he will be forever remembered. I have little doubt in my mind that history will remember him kindly.




















