Michael Jackson's 11-year-old daughter surprised everyone with an unscripted tribute to "Daddy", which she delivered through tears.
As the world came together to bid adieu to 'King of Pop' in a sombre ceremony, it was the pop star's 11-year-old daughter who surprised everyone with an unscripted tribute to "Daddy", which she delivered through tears.
Michael Jackson's children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, took the stage during a group performance of 'Heal the World'.
After the song, Paris came forward to give an impromptu speech from the stage surrounded by the Jackson family.
"I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine," Paris said between sobs. "And I just want to say I love him so much," she added before collapsing into her aunt Janet Jackson's arms.
The poignant tribute was especially startling because it marked one of the first times Jackson's daughter has ever been heard publicly.
The pop star carefully protected his three children from the public despite being one of the most photographed celebrities of his time and his three children never ventured out in public without wearing fanciful masks.
But Tuesday, they were without disguise as they took front row seats along with Jackson's other family members at the star-studded memorial service at Staples Centre.
Jackson's memorial ceremony, which has been described one of the 'biggest media event ever' was watched by over a billion people around the world.
The family of Jackson, including his parents, eight siblings and three young children were in attendance, seated in the front row close to the bronze casket containing the body of the "greatest entertainer that ever lived".
The pop icon was remembered by everyone from Nelson Mandela to basketball legend Magic Johnson, with some of the biggest names in the music industry performing in honour of the legend.
"Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can't seem to find words to express.
"Michael wanted me to be there for his children, and I will be there if they ever need me," legendary crooner Smoky Robinson read a message from soul diva Ross, a close friend of Jackson's, who has also been named as the back-up guardian to his children in his will.
The Centre which was filled to it's capacity of 20,000 exuded a church like ambience and many in the crowd broke down in tears as Jackson's casket was brought in by his five brothers while a choir sang Andrae Crouch's gospel song Soon We Are Going To See The King.
Mariah Carey, who was the first performer, payed tribute to Jackson by singing I'll Be There a No. 1 hit for the 'Jackson 5' in 1970. She was joined by Trey Lorenz who sang the part originally sung by Jermaine Jackson.
Actress Queen Latifah remembered Jackson as "the biggest star on earth", amid thunderous applause from the audience.
"He let me know that as an African-American, you could travel the world, there was a world outside of America. Other people. All you people who came here to pay respect for someone who you felt was one of you, a human being first," said Latifah.
Singer Lionel Richie, who co-wrote the song We Are The World with Jackson, received standing ovation with his rendition of Jesus is Love.
One of the high points of the emotional service was the performance by Stevie Wonder who sang Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer, which left many fans in tears.
"This is a moment that I wished I didn't live to see come. But as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good. And I do know that as much as we may feel that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more," said Wonder.
Grammy winning John Mayer took to the stage with a guitar rendition of Human Nature while Dream Girls star Jennifer
Hudson sang Will You Be There.
R&B sensation Usher performed Gone Too Soon from Jackson's Dangerous album, serenading the star's casket.
Actress Brooke Shields, a close friend of the pop legend fought back tears as she took to the stage to pay her tribute
to the singer.
"Both of us needed to be adults very early, when we were together we were two kids having fun. He was honest, pure, non jaded, a lover of life," she said.
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