LOS ANGELES - MICHAEL Jackson's public memorial, watched by millions around the world, struck a tone more spiritual than spectacular on Tuesday, opening with a church choir serenading his golden casket and continuing with somber speeches and gospel-themed musical performances.

Pastor Lucious W Smith of the Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena gave the invocation, followed by Mariah Carey singing the opening performance with a sweet rendition of the Jackson 5 ballad 'I'll Be There,' a duet with Trey Lorenz.

MJ's daughter speaks ================= LOS ANGELES - MICHAEL Jackson's young daughter has told a public memorial service in Los Angeles that she loves her father. ... more

'We come together and we remember the time,' said Mr Smith, riffing off one of Jackson's lyrics. 'As long as we remember him, he will always be there to comfort us.'

Among those who saluted Jackson were music mogul Barry Gordy, the Rev Al Sharpton and basketball greats Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant.

Jennifer Hudson sang Jackson's hit 'Will You Be There' and John Mayer played guitar on a whisper-light rendition of 'Human Nature.'

'This is a moment that I wished I didn't live to see,' Stevie Wonder said before his performance.

The singer Smokey Robinson began the service by reading statements from Jackson's close friends Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela. The South African leader's statement ended with a poignant admonition: 'Be strong.'

After a long period of silence punctuated only by camera flashes, the tension broke with the organ strains of a black spiritual, 'Hallelujah, hallelujah, going to see the King.'

Lionel Richie gave a gospel-infused performance in front of a shaft of light evoking a cross.

An estimated 20,000 people were in the Staples Centre as Jackson's flower-draped casket was brought to the venue in a motorcade under law enforcement escort. -- AP

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