Jackson Family Holds Cemetery Vigil

(AP) - Michael Jackson fans began to celebrate tonight after beating the odds to win coveted tickets to Tuesday's memorial service at the Staples Center in LA. "I'm in shock that it has happened," said Deka Motanya, 27, of San Francisco. "It's surreal." More than 1.6 million fans registered online the random drawing of only 8,750 names—a 1-in-183 chance. Each person selected will receive two free tickets. More»

King of Pop can't be buried at Neverland due to legal restrictions

(NEWSER) - There will be no public memorial for Michael Jackson at the Neverland Ranch this week, the AP reports. Previous reports had said that a viewing would be held Friday at the Santa Barbara estate, but a source close to the family says nothing is planned. Instead, there will likely be a funeral and burial in Los Angeles. More»

Assemblyman pushes for study amid skepticism

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch is one of the most opulent estates in the US, and one California lawmaker can't resist the idea of turning it into a state park. "It will absolutely be a destination for many who admire music and the performing arts," said Assemblyman Mike Davis, who intends to push for the park's creation when the legislature meets in August, the LA Times reports. More»

Hundreds gather in California, Indiana, Japan, New York

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson fans around the world honored the singer today on the first anniversary of his death, the AP reports. About 500 fans gathered at Jackson's mausoleum outside LA for a calm but emotional tribute to the King of Pop. "He's been my idol all my life since I can remember," said one weeping fan. "I feel like I haven't had closure." More»

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»