Jackson's family gathered for a private service at a picturesque mortuary in the Hollywood Hills. As the ceremony ended, pallbearers carrying Jackson's golden casket swathed with red flowers emerged and loaded it into a black hearse, under the watchful eye of mourners and around 20 media helicopters hovering overhead. A motorcade of luxury vehicles then made a stately procession to the 20,000-capacity Staples Center, where family, friends and celebrities rubbed shoulders with ordinary fans who had won tickets via an online lottery. The service got underway with soul legend Smokey Robinson reading letters of condolence from stars and world leaders unable to attend, which included a tribute from former South African president Nelson Mandela. "Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry. And we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide," Mandela's tribute read. Motown diva Diana Ross meanwhile -- named by Jackson in his will as an alternative guardian to his children -- said she had chosen to mourn privately. "Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life," Ross's tribute said. "Michael wanted me to be there for his children, and I will be there if they ever need me." Veteran poet and writer Maya Angelou paid tribute to Jackson in a moving elegy read by Queen Latifah. "Sing our songs among the stars and walk our dances across the face of the moon," Angelou wrote. Tributes to Jackson from friends and associates were punctuated by performances from Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson as Jackson's family looked on approvingly. Jackson's brothers all wore matching suits and their sibling's signature solo sequined glove. One of the biggest ovations came after remarks made by Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown records who launched Jackson's career.
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