Luminaries from the entertainment world, civil rights leaders, friends and politicians gathered today to put on a tribute to Michael Jackson at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The service reached an emotional high point when Jackson's young daughter, Paris, took the microphone and talked about her love for her father.

Paris Katherine choked back tears as she said, "Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you can imagine, and I just want to say I love him so much."  As she finished her tribute, she was embraced by Janet Jackson, her aunt and her late father's younger pop star sister.

Thousands of fans fixed their eyes on a dramatically-lit stage where a golden casket was covered with red flowers.  Men in the inner Jackson circle were seated in the front row of the arena, wearing single silver sparkly gloves.

Performers who were to tour with Jackson took the stage to sing "We Are The World," the hopeful anthem the King of Pop co-wrote with Lionel Richie, followed by even more people, including the family, singing "Heal the World."

Singers Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz opened the performances with a swelling, soaring rendition of "I'll Be There" before entertainer Queen Latifah eulogized Jackson and Richie sang with a gospel choir.
 
Motown magnate Berry Gordy Jr. paid tribute to Jackson, recalling when he and his brothers first auditioned for the label as the Jackson Five.

Stevie Wonder sang before basketball stars Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant talked about the singer's charitable efforts.
 
A visibly-pregnant Jennifer Hudson sang "Will You Be There," and Usher performed.
 
Reverend Al Sharpton emphasized Jackson's contributions to the image of African-Americans, while civil rights leaders Martin Luther King the third and Bernice King recognized Jackson's excellence.
 
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee paid tribute to the entertainer's good works.

A video tribute showed a glimpse into Michael's life through performances, music videos, and audio clips.