July 7, 2009

Emotional Trip for Fans Who Attended the MJ Memorial Service

By Katie Byrne (MTV.com)

Tuesday (July 7) was a pretty moving day for fans lucky enough to attend the public memorial for Michael Jackson. While most fans were wowed by the celebrities on display, the most powerful voice belonged to one little girl: Paris Katherine Jackson.

"When the brother [Jermaine] sang 'Smile' and when the little girl [Paris] talked, those were the saddest parts," said Vanessa Holguin. The 20-year-old had attended the event with her mother.

Holguin and her mom almost missed their chance to be at the memorial when they showed up late to pick up their tickets. "I signed up at the last minute, so I never thought I'd get tickets," Holguin recalled. "And when we were at Dodgers Stadium, we got the last golden ticket!"

Cynthia Sebastiani and Ray Ayala, a pair of 18-year-olds from California, were also taken aback when Paris spoke. "I didn't expect the daughter to talk," Sebastiani said. "It was very emotional. People were laughing really hard at times and at other times were [makes sniffling noises]."

One fan came all the way from Mississippi to say goodbye to Michael. "I'm new to Michael Jackson," admitted Jeremy Johnson, 17, from Bassfield, Mississippi. "I'm just now realizing what everyone is making such a big deal about."

The newfound fan was especially moved when Usher performed Michael Jackson's song "Gone Too Soon." "When Usher went down and touched the casket, I felt like I was part of something special."

For Veronica Torres, 19, and Sarah Zabala, 21, both of Norwalk, California, Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the most powerful message of the day.

"My favorite part was when [Sharpton] said, 'There was nothing strange about your dad,' " Torres said of Sharpton's message to the Jackson kids.

"That's one of the biggest things people needed to take from the service," Zabala agreed. "People made him what he was."