Michael Jackson Memorial Music, Video: Stevie Wonder, Mariah, Usher, more

ABOVE: The Jackson 5 performs “I’ll Be There” on Diana Ross’s ’70s TV show. Mariah Carey performed the same song at Michael Jackson’s memorial service July 7 at the Staples Center.

A very large, very public memorial was held for Michael Jackson July 7, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and not surprisingly a large part of the ceremony was devoted to music. A star-studded cast including Jackson’s family, close friends and, for some reason, John Mayer, paid tribute to Jackson with performances of his favorite songs, his classics and a few songs of their own.

Keep reading for complete details on all of the songs and the performers.

Which of the performances from the memorial was your favorite?

BELOW: Stevie Wonder’s “I Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer” was just one of the moving performances given at Michael Jackson’s public memorial service July 7 at the Staples Center. A former child star himself, Wonder wrote the song when he was just 21.

MORE: Keep reading for information on all of the songs performed at MJ’s Memorial service

Jermaine Jackson-“Smile”
Reportedly Jackson’s favorite song, MJ recorded his own version of this track on his1995 double album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It was originally featured in Charlie Chaplin’s film, Modern Times.

Usher-“Gone Too Soon” a ballad Jackson had previously dedicated to Ryan White, a young victim of AIDS. (Watch Jackson’s emotional 1992 live performance of “Gone Too Soon”).

Jennifer Hudson-”Will You Be There?”

BELOW: Jennifer Hudson performs at the Jackson memorial.

Stevie Wonder—“Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer” from his 1971 album Where I’m Coming From.

Lionel Richie—“Jesus is Love” A song previously made popular by Richie’s ’70s singing group, the Commodores. Richie co-wrote Jackson’s international anthem, “We are the World.”

John Mayer—“Human Nature” We’re not really sure why Mayer was here, aside from his media savvy, but his version of Jackson’s “Human Nature” was interesting anyway, even though he made his typical awful guitar player face the whole time.

Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz— “I’ll Be There” a Jackson 5 classic. We’re positive Mariah was showing way more boobs than you should show at a funeral. But the song was ok anyway.

The ceremony also included groups and choirs performing “We Are the World” and “Heal the World.”

Perhaps meant as a tribute to young stars—such as Jackson had been with the Jackson 5—12-year-old “Britain’s Got Talent” contestant Shaheen Jafargholi performed “Who’s Lovin’ You.”

Did you watch the Jackson tribute in person, or on TV?
Which of the performances from the memorial was your favorite?