Jackson Memorial Tuesday at LA Arena After Family Service

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) - 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»

(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»

(NEWSER) - Organizers will give out 17,500 free tickets to Tuesday’s Michael Jackson memorial at Los Angeles’ Staples Center, the Times reports. The drawing will occur Sunday, and ticket-seekers can register online. Trying to avoid a rush, the promoter kept some details secret, saying only “there will be no distribution of tickets at Staples Center” or the surrounding entertainment complex. The event will also be streamed online and broadcast on television. 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»