LA Braces for Jackson Masses

25-year-old front and center at memorial

(NEWSER) - A Norwegian Michael Jackson impersonator might be the King of Pop’s love child, the Mirror reports. Omer Bhatti, 25, was seated with Jackson's family in the front row at his Los Angeles memorial service, and resembles his youngest potential sibling, Blanket. Bhatti reportedly lived at Neverland Ranch as a child, and his mother says of Jackson, “He was the King of Pop. But for us he was so much more.” Elsewhere: 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.

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»

Director is 'sorry' family members were hurt by omission

(NEWSER) - The Academy Awards acknowledged its snub of Farrah Fawcett and apologized for it while simultaneously defending the decision. After being criticized by everyone from Roger Ebert to Tatum O’Neal, the Oscars’ “In Memoriam” director says he felt Fawcett’s “remarkable television work” was better honored at the Emmy Awards. So why was Michael Jackson included? Because of the big-screen documentary This Is It, People reports. More»

Mayor calls donation request 'ridiculous'

(NEWSER) - Imagine the surprise of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa when he returned from vacation to find his proxy asking for donations to fund the Michael Jackson memorial. “This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection, period,” he says. “The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical.” The “ridiculous” donation website stopped accepting money after having accumulated about $35,000, E! reports. More: More»