Fans Beat Odds to Land Tickets

Elizabeth Taylor, ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley among invitees

(AP) - Paris Jackson wept as she stepped into the Forest Lawn mausoleum where her father, Michael, was to be entombed. Katherine Jackson, overcome by sorrow, turned back when she was faced with her son's final resting place. On a sultry evening, amid a sea of white flowers and with a bejeweled crown placed atop his casket by his children, the King of Pop was given an intimate, private version of the lavish public memorial held shortly after his death in June. More»

Fans pouring into Staples Center all morning

(NEWSER) - Mariah Carey kicked off the memorial service for Michael Jackson today, singing "I'll Be There," as the singer's body lay in a golden casket, covered in red flowers, at the foot of the stage at the Staples Center. And his 11-year-old daughter got in the last word with a tearful tribute to her dad. Among the speakers and performers:

• Queen Latifah eulogized Jackson as a friend and inspiration who opened up the world to many African Americans, including herself.

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson's family held a quiet vigil beside his casket last night before the singer is interred today, reports the Times of London. Jackson's sister La Toya, brother Randy and daughter Paris were spotted at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park soon after Jackson's casket was transported there for a private service this morning. Jackson will be buried near the tombs of Sammy Davis Jr., Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable. More»

(NEWSER) - The star-studded guest list for the Michael Jackson memorial service tomorrow in Los Angeles doesn't include Elizabeth Taylor, but the legendary actress is sure her dear friend would understand, People reports. "I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others," the 77-year-old tweets. "How I feel is between us." More»

Service could be Tuesday at Staples Center

(NEWSER) - As speculation focuses on Tuesday as the date for Michael Jackson’s public memorial in Los Angeles, how the city will pay for crowd control and security is sure to become an issue, the Times reports. Private donors and AEG, which owns Staples Center—the likely venue for such a service—donated money to cover the costs of the Lakers’ recent championship parade and rally. AEG could also sell tickets to the memorial, though price is unclear. More»