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Seen and heard at Jackson's memorial service

July 08, 2009, 06:28 AM Post Comments
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The unprecedented public memorial for Michael Jackson drew fans, stars, onlookers, street vendors and countless police officers. A glimpse into the scene outside and inside Staples Center:

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As fans slowly file into Staples Center, the jumbo screens overhead show an image of a smiling Michael Jackson and read, "In loving memory of Michael Jackson King of Pop, 1958-2009."

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Holders of VIP tickets slipped through a side door to access their premier seats. The usher working the VIP door says, "Have your tickets out please, unless you're Janet Jackson."

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Smokey Robinson just arrived, followed by Verne Troyer in a tiny wheelchair.

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson was welcomed by a smattering of applause. When Kobe Bryant walked into the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers.

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When a voice over the loudspeaker says the service is about to start, the entire stadium hushes to a whisper.

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Audience members stand and sing along with Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz, reprising their cover of "I'll Be There." Many are shooting it with handheld cameras.

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Fans continue to file in, more than 45 minutes after the service began.

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Coroner Ed Winter, who's investigating Jackson's death, just took a seat inside Staples.

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A sign-language interpreter translates the service for a small group of fans.

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Don King just came in _ an hour late.

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Stevie Wonder gets his own standing ovation.

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All of Staples is clapping along with Jennifer Hudson as she sings "Will You Be There." Small groups of fans are swaying together.

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Nearly every speaker and performance is punctuated by a standing ovation. During quiet breaks, fans yell out, "We love you, Michael!" and break into spontaneous chants of "Michael! Michael!"

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No standing ovation for John Mayer, though, after his instrumental version of "Human Nature" on the guitar.

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Fans who were dancing just moments earlier are now crying during Brooke Shields' teary remembrances of her old friend.

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The Staples Center lobby is empty except for a few police officers watching the service on a television monitor.

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Someone in the crowd just shouted, "Long live the king!" and drew applause.

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Lots of people are watching the service through their cameras and cell phones.

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Many fans are crying as Jackson's 11-year-old daughter, Paris Michael Katherine, tells the audience she loves her father.

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Very slow getting out of Staples Center, navigating the crowds and barricades.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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