July 6, 2009

Stars Take to the Stage in Honor of Michael Jackson

By Gil Kaufman (MTV.com)

Late singer Michael Jackson's closest friends are slated to perform at the public memorial service held in his honor. Scheduled for Tuesday (July 7), the line-up of stars expected to take the stage includes Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Usher, John Mayer, Lionel Richie and Motown founder Berry Gordy, according to a statement from a spokesperson for the Jackson family.

Jackson's most popular songs will be on display that night. Carey will reportedly reprise her famous cover of the Jackson song "I'll Be There". According to CNN, Oscar-winning singer/actress Hudson will also sing at the event.

Among the other confirmed participants in the tribute to Jackson are Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, "Britain's Got Talent" finalist Shaheen Jafargholi, the Andrae Crouch Choir, Lakers icon Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III, Motown legend Smokey Robinson, Jackson family friend the Reverend Al Sharpton and Jackson's longtime pal, Brooke Shields.

Previously during her concert at the O2 Arena, Madonna had paid tribute to Jackson. One of her dances donned a Jackson get-up and interpreted some of the King of Pop's most famous dance moves to a medley of "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Something."