LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson’s body will be at today’s public memorial service honoring the late music icon at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Earlier today, Jackson’s family and close friends gathered at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, where the singer is expected to be buried. The family was initially considering Jackson’s Neverland Ranch as a final resting place, but they were unable to obtain a residential exemption required for a burial on private property.
Following the gathering, Jackson’s family departed for the Staples Center event, which begins at 10 a.m. PT. A casket carrying Jackson’s body drew thousands of spectators as it proceeded through Los Angeles to the venue.
On Monday, Jackson’s family revealed that Smokey Robinson, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson will be some of the star-studded guests attending the memorial.
The memorial is also expected to feature performances by Mariah Carey, Usher and Stevie Wonder.
One surprise performer is expected to be Shaheen Jafargholi of “Britain’s Got Talent” fame. The 12-year-old singer became a fan favorite on the U.K. show with his rousing performances of Jackson tunes.
It is believed that the memorial will conclude with a performance of “We Are the World,” a charity single that Jackson co-wrote with Lionel Richie.
Jackson was at the Staples Center the night before his death on June 25. The King of Pop was rehearsing for his 50 sold-out comeback concerts at London’s 02 Arena that were scheduled to begin this month.
Watch CNN’s Live Coverage of the Michael Jackson Memorial Service
