In one sense, it seems odd to review a memorial as though it was a television show. Read the full post.
Jul 7
2009
07:42 PM ET
Michael Jackson's memorial: a review
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I listened to the service while working. I thought there were some nice heartfelt comments from sincere individuals, nicely done vocals, and some questionable comment from those who love to be in the spotlight. Sorry, but Sharpton is about as sincere as a rock, and the senator was confusing. Overall, I thought the whole thing was overblown into a huge media circus. Michael Jackson was a talented individual, no one can ever deny that. However, I believe his impact on the world was over stated and grossly exaggerated. they should not have had his daughter go up, I thought that wasn’t in good form.
Regarding James and j.Robinson’s comments, let’s not use MJ’s memorial as a platform for personal disdain.
I agree with WC that it’s impossible for someone who hasn’t lived in the spotlight everyday of their lives to judge someone who has. All the money, fame and talent in the world matters little when they tear away at your soul bit by bit until it turns you into a shell of a person. If all the noise bothered you for the few days this occurred, imagine MJ having to deal with that on a regular basis.
As for j.Robinson, not everyone firmly believes that MJ molested little boys. He was beyond weird, no doubt, but reading about how shy and fragile a person he was, I still don’t get that vibe. Maybe you should follow Al Sharpton’s advice for a change.
Underwhelming; a real snooze. Too few great artists; too many B-list speakers/performers. Too bad Michael couldn’t plan his own memorial; this didn’t do suit him at all.
I thought it was very tastefully done, a dignified memorial to the King of Pop. Seeing Jermaine sining “Smile” was definitely a highlight. I also loved Brooke Shield quoting the Little Prince, and Usher’s emotional rendition of “Gone Too Soon,” but the moment that broke my heart was Marlon Jackson speaking at the end, followed by Paris. It was a poignant reminder that MJ was a human being, a brother, a father, and whether we think he was an icon ( which I do, I’m a big fan) or overrated, to them he was family.
I don’t know how anyone can say there were B- and D-listers at the memorial. I’d hate to think that anyone would think Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Lionel Richie are B-listers.
I think Michael’s daughter coming out at the end was exactly what the media needed to see to maybe finally stop speculating and covering the circumstances of his death and the outrageous rumors. These children lost a father and it was gut-wrenching to watch that poor little girl try and get her words out, no matter what you thought of Michael.
I thought overall it was very well done. It’s amazing what kind of show they can put together in such a short amount of time -yet awards shows – with a magnitude of time – can come off so bad. So congrats to Kenny and all who made this come together.
I think it was kind of “cheesy” and sad about the family being there at the end. I feel bad for them all – but they should have stayed seated and walked out with the casket.
The gum chewing was annoying. (Grandpa and oldest Michael son). And Latoya’s hat needed it’s own zip code.
I hope Katherine lives a long time and takes good care of these kids. And I hope Joe moves far far away from them. It’s the only thing I hope Debbie Rowe gets – is the restraining order from being around those kids.
Finally – does anyone else think that Paris looks like Madonna’s daughter?
Someone took a soul from a deal made down at the crossroads.
OMG…Michael’s daughter DOES like Lourdes. Wow!
And it’s always ironic to see people like Ted and d.dorth telling the rest of us that we’re foolish sheep to the media just because we felt grief from MJ’s death. Hey Ted, if you really think the self-described LA freakshow is a waste of time, why are you even wasting more time to whine about it here? How much better is your life in order for you to criticize others for taking the time to mourn a celebrity who brought joy to their lives? Say whatever crap that makes your smug self sleep at night, but just because we want to say our condolences to MJ doesn’t make us slaves to the media.
And d.dorth, unless you’re willing to take the time and effort to fix some of the problems you listed, you’re no better than the people you criticize of feeling apathetic towards those tragedies. Reminding us isn’t going to halt their progress any quicker.
I thought Brooke Shields spoke beautifully. What a bittersweet moment for his tour group who were preparing to tour with him. It would’ve been a great moment for Michael. I feel so much for his children who miss their dad so much. I just hope they are embraced with alot of love to get them through all of this.
LA is in a 1/2 billion dollar deficit and we waste tax payer money on a memorial service for a celebrity. Meanwhile, we have more homeless vets on the streets (20,000 +) than anywhere else in America.
Everyone keeps talking about how much money MJ paid in taxes, how much money he generates, blah blah blah. The porn industry also pumps alot of money into the local economy AND people derive pleasure from it too! I’m mortified by today’s events.
Mariah was all kinds of wrong for wearing a cleavagey evening gown to a 10am memorial service.
I so completely agree with d.dorth & ted. Now enough is enough. My heart goes out to those children that have known only their Dad & now it appears he wasn’t even the biological father & didn’t adopt them????? & Debbie Rowe was just a surrogate, so she has no biological claim to them (even if she did want them)!!! who do these poor kids belong to?????? So they’ve been the infamous children of Michael Jackson, now they will be wards of the court?? lets hope not.
The entire program was handled with dignity and class and befitting of Michael’s many, many extraordinary accomplishments. He may not have been lved, or even liked, my many, but his brilliance overshadowed any shortcomings he MAY have had. Bravo, Michael, Bravo!!!