Joe Jackson,Michael's father, arrived later during the memorial and briefly appeared on stage.

VOA: standard.2009.07.11

The memorial was an upbeat celebration of Michael Jackson's music, with local talent taking the stage to sing his hits or imitate his complex and iconic dance moves.

VOA: standard.2009.07.11

"Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine, " said Paris Katherine Jackson, the second of Michael Jackson's three children, as a massive memorial service for her father neared its end in downtown Los Angeles.

CNN: The story

The casket was then taken on stage at the memorial ceremony by Michael Jackson's brothers.

BBC: Newsbeat - Entertainment - Jackson fans say their goodbyes

People left the memorial somber but with the words of Michael Jackson's favorite song still in their head, as sung by his brother Jermaine.

NPR: Jackson Remembered During Emotional Service