750,000 ticketless people were estimated to fill the area outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the memorial of Michael Jackson. In the end, only a few thousand appeared on the edges of the memorial. The majority apparently took the advice of the LAPD and watched the memorial service in the comfort of their homes.
Even with the heartbreaking words of Brooke Shields, Marlon Jackson, and Paris Jackson taken into consideration, the subdued response for Michael Jackson proved to be the most touching tribute to the fallen idol.
Many expected the service to be a spectacle of epic proportions. With funeral details kept close to the vest, speculation ran wild. Would there be a procession to the Staples Center? Would the casket be open or closed? Would spectators be quiet or would they scream for their pop icon?
By the end of today's globally televised service, it was clear that the family and the organizers wanted the service to avoid reflecting the circus that often followed Michael wherever he went. The performances were powerful, but not outlandish. The speakers were touching, heartbreaking, reflective, and funny. Save for some occasional shout-outs of "We love you Michael!", the audiences was respectful of the family below. Even the entering and exiting the arena was calm and civilized. For a man who lived a life filled with scandal and drama, his send-off was remarkably drama-free.
Many have said that Michael would want a dramatic send-off, similar to his thrilling concert performances. I think that Michael, who often told of the pain living such a public life caused, would have appreciated today's service more.
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