Lottery Planned for 17,500 Free Jacko Memorial Tickets

(NEWSER) - The carefully guarded children of Michael Jackson made a rare public appearance at his memorial yesterday, but for one of them it was even more revolutionary: Prince Michael Jackson II—aka Blanket—was seen fully for the first time, Fox News reports. Blanket, who was famously dangled by his father from a Berlin hotel balcony in 2002, appeared with brother Prince and sister Paris. 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»

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»

(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»