TIMELINE: Michael Jackson's Memorial

USMagazine, Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 9:15am (PDT)

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8:01 a.m.: Jesse Jackson is the first celeb to hit the row of press stand-ups.

9:06 a.m.: Stage has double podiums, double drum sets. Jackson's song "Rock With You" is playing on a speaker.

As guests enter Staples, they are given a 14-page color program with personalized notes from the family and loved ones. The program features photos of Jackson from all phases of career. "My brother developed a shoe that showed resistance to gravity. What a man!" reads Tito Jackson's comment. Latoya's comment reads, "You've done your work here, Michael. You've entertained us for decades and there's nothing else that you can prove or accomplish here on earth. Mike. I love you deeply (sic) and I can't wait to see you perform again. Keep the magic going!!!"

The centerfold in Staples is a collage of Jackson with celebs, including past presidents Bush, Clinton, Reagan. There are af lot of shots of Jackson with Elizabeth Taylor.

9:25 a.m.: Smokey Robinson, in a gray suit, is up front talking to security.

9:29 a.m.: Spike Lee talking with Smokey Robinson in front of the stage. A forlorn Queen Latifah is draped in a shawl approaching the stage.

9:34 a.m.: The entire Kardashian family arrives. Kim tells Us: "It's just really important to be here to support the Jackson family. My family and I have known them for years, so it's really special to be here for them."

9:38 a.m.: Larry King and his wife, both in all black and walking arm-in-arm, are escorted inside Staples Center

9:40 a.m.: Jesse Jackson arrives in an Escalade with a group of people

9:44 a.m.: Louis Farrakhan arrives with an entourage of 15

9:45 a.m.: As Elizabeth Berkley arrives, Diff'rent Strokes star Todd Bridges tells Us: "I knew him - that's why it's special to be here. He was the greatest superstar, and I knew him every since I was a little kid, for many, many years, you know? I'm here to honor him"

9:45 a.m.: Jackson's hearse arrives at Staples Center

9:52 a.m.: "Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats," an announcer says as the Staples Center goes silent. "The service will begin very very shortly." Meanwhile, the outside of Staples Center has cleared.

Inside, the family floor section is less than half-full. Most of the guests are in traditional funeral wear, not crazy fan costumes. Surprisingly, many in family section are wearing all white.

9:56 a.m.: Rev. Al Sharpton is deep in conversation with John Mayer, whom he is seated next to, and director Tyler Perry.

9:58 a.m.: Barbara Walters is chatting with Magic Johnson. Mike Tyson is present.

10:00 a.m.: Nicky Hilton is seated with her mother and father. "Michael was a good family friend," she tells Us. "This is a part of history."

10:01 a.m.: Dionne Warwick is mingling with Kobe Bryant

10:12 a.m.: Smokey Robinson addresses the crowd; he reads statements from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela. Ross' statement reads: "Thank you, Katherine and Joe for sharing your son with the world. I share my love and condolences with the Jackson family."

10:16 a.m.: Usher arrives late, wearing a yellow rose. He kisses Brooke Shields on the cheek before taking his seat.

10:17: John Mayer and Brooke Shields briefly chat. She's sitting right in front of him.

10:19 a.m.: Corey Feldman enters dressed as Michael Jackson. He wipes tears from under his sunglasses.

10:20 a.m.: Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson exchange greetings.

10:20: Diddy and Jennifer Hudson take their seats.

10:21: The Jackson family enters and receives a standing ovation.

10:33 a.m.: As a church choir sings "We Are Going to See the King," Jackson's red rose-covered casket is brought inside and set on the stage. The crowd cheers and gives a standing ovation. His brothers serve as pallbearers and wear sparkly silver gloves.

10:34 a.m.: Spike Lee takes photos with his digital camera.

10:35 a.m.: Chris Tucker enters as the choir is singing.

10:37 a.m.: Pastor Smith delivers a service. "Our hearts are heavy today because...he's gone far too soon," he says.

10:39 a.m.: Mariah Carey, in a black gown by Jenny Packham, sings the Jackson 5 hit "I'll Be There." She is joined by Trey Lorenz. Images of Jackson 5 flash on the screen behind them.

10:44 a.m. Queen Latifah says, "Somehow, when Michael Jackson sang, when he danced, you never felt distance. You felt like you were right there...I loved him all my life... Michael was the biggest star on earth." She then quoted Maya Angelou

10:50 a.m.: Lionel Richie sings "Jesus Is Loved"

11:01 a.m.: Motown Founder Berry Gordy speaks: "Thank you for the joy. Thank you for the heart. You will live in my heart forever."

11:04 a.m.: A montage of Jackson's music videos plays as the crowd cheers. The arena is dark; only Jackson's coffin is lit up.

11:07 a.m.: Stevie Wonder says, "This is a moment that I wish I didn't live to see coming. But as much as I can say that we mean it, I do know that God is good...Michael, I love you, and I've told you that many times." He performed "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer."

11:13 a.m.: Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson take the stage. "Because he gave so much to so many for us, Michael Jackson remains with us forever," Bryant says.

Johnson recalled appearing in Jackson's video for "Remember the Times." He went to Jackson's house to discuss ideas. "We had such a good time sitting on the floor eating Kentucky Fried Chicken," he said.

Johnson also brought up Jackson's children: Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and Blanket, 7, who are under the temporary custody of Katherine.

"Those three children will have the most incredible grandmother that God has put on this earth to take care of them. Michael's three children will have incredible uncles and aunts to take care of them as well...and cousins!"

11:20 a.m.: A pregnant Jennifer Hudson sings "Will You Be There."

11:26 a.m.: Al Sharpton discusses the Jackson's upbringing in Gary, Indiana and eulogizes Jackson.

11:34 a.m.: John Mayer performs "Human Nature" as the crowd claps along. After, he hugs Jackson's brothers.

11:39 a.m.: Brooke Shields fights back tears. "Michael was one of a kind...Michael always knew he could count on me to be his date. Michael tried in vain one night to unsuccessfully teach me the Moonwalk. Michael loved to laugh. MJ's laugh was the sweetest and purest laugh. His sense of humor was delightful, and he was very mischievous." She stopped for an extra moment to look at Jackson's casket on stage before returning to her seat in row 7.

11:48 p.m.: Jermaine Jackson performs Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," which is Michael's favorite song, Shields says at the service. After, he took his flower boutonniere off his lapel, and tossed it on the coffin.

11:51 a.m.: Bernice King and Martin Luther King III speak. After quoting his father, King III said: "Michael Jackson was truly the best." Bernice recalled when Michael called their ailing mother from the Middle East to let her know he was praying for her.

11:59 a.m.: Texas congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of the congressional black caucus speaks. "We are the world, and we are better because Michael Joseph Jackson lived...I salute you."

3:07 a.m.: Usher places his hand on Jackson's casket while singing "Gone Too Soon." Photos of Jackson as a child flash on the screen behind him. After, he hugged Jackson's brothers and broke into sobs. He then kneeled down to speak to Katherine and Joe before returning to his seat.

12:13 p.m. Britain's Got Talent star Shaheen Jafargholi sings "Who's Lovin' You" and says, "I love Michael Jackson. I just want to thank him so much for blessing me and every single individual on this earth."

12:23 p.m.: Kenny Ortega, who was directing Jackson's comeback tour, calls Jackson a "living legacy" before introducing a group to sing "We Are the World." Jackson's daughter Paris sings. Lionel Richie and Jennifer Hudson are also on stage.

Children and additional celebs then take the stage to sing "Heal the World." Blanket stands in front of Janet Jackson. Paris -- who is standing in front of LaToya Jackson -- kisses Blanket's hands. Paris, Prince and Blanket sing along.

12:31 p.m.: Prince has his arm around Paris, who is holding Blanket.

Jermaine and Marlon speak. Paris puts a tissue in her handbag, and leans on Janet.

Paris then asks for the microphone. "I just want to let everyone know: Daddy has been the best father. Thank you very much," she says through sobs. Janet and several other family members lead her off the stage, which goes dark.

12:41 p.m.: Michael's casket is rolled out by family members as "Man in the Mirror" plays.

12:48 p.m.: Jackson family friend Pastor Lucius Smith reads a benediction and the memorial draws to a close.