It's the event of the year, right? I wasn't planning on watching the Michael Jackson memorial, but when it's estimated that 700 million to 1 billion people are going to be turning in, I didn't want to be the one who didn't see what happened. Maybe I shouldn't have watched, because I couldn't help mocking various parts of the service. So if you're not up for that, don't read on.
Random thoughts:
1. What was with the gigantic lull at the beginning after Smokey reading letters from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela? I get there was short planning time (sort of...anything more than a day isn't really all that short), but a little better stage direction would have been good. As an aside, Diana couldn't be there? Really? Michael named her as a guardian for his kids, and she couldn't make the funeral???
2. The city of Los Angeles has apparently set up a paypal account so that MJ fans can help defray the cost of this $4 million memorial. If MJ fans are even half as crazy as Clay Aiken fans (and we know there are certainly more of them), they should bust a profit. But, if as a city you're that strapped for cash, should you really be putting on something like this? I get wanting to pay tribute, but those tributes have been going on for a week. Let that be enough.
3. I've decided to make a drinking game (water) out of this thing. Everytime someone mentions a song title (or something really, really close) in a speech, I'm taking a shot.
4. Audience members are yelling out that they love Michael. It's a funeral people. It's not like he's gonna sit up, blow ya a kiss and say, "I love you, too."
5. The pallbearers are wearing dark suits, bright yellow ties, and sunglasses. With one sparkly glove each. Homage or cheesy? You decide.
6. Apparently one of my high school classmates is singing backup at the memorial service.
7. I'm generally not gracious in this respect, but I'll cut the singers some slack for pitch problems today or emotional struggling. Except Mariah Carey. I just don't like her. I do like her husband as host of America's Got Talent though.
8. Magic Johnson, you're funny! And Kentucky Fried Chicken is actually called KFC now.
9. Ooooh, Jennifer Hudson singing the Free Willy song! Bonus points! Wait...is she pregnant and I had no clue? Ok, the dancing around her in a circle was cheesy. Way to ruin a really good moment, whomever decided that.
10. Oh, Al Sharpton. Yes, yes...Michael Jackson is responsible for Obama being elected President. Cause breaking the MTV barrier is pretty much the same thing as getting elected to the White House.
11. Again, because apparently we need a reminder, no screaming (or chanting, or rhythmic clapping) at funerals.
12. John Mayer's facial expressions and eye-twitching always kind of make me think he's OD'ing. Though this is the first time I've ever thought he looked kind of cute. I think it's the vest and the tie.
13. Best eulogy so far: Brooke Shields.
14. Best musical performance: Jermaine Jackson singing Michael's favorite song "Smile." Very emotional. Yes, I shed a tear.
15. Oh Sheila Jackson Lee...did you know about my little drinking game??? That was a pretty impressive string of titles.
16. Is Usher whimpering??
17. Best runner-up eulogy: Smokie Robinson.
18. Who brought a baby to the memorial service?
19. Ok, the cynic in me is mute: This We Are the World tribute has me all teary. Aww, the people in London are making a big circle of hands. And the kids on stage...sad. Oh man, now they're bringing up all sorts of little kids. I'm a goner. I think all funerals should have an uplifting moment at the end. This definitely accomplished that.
20. Oh man! His daughter speaking just killed me. It's hard not to be moved by a little girl who's lost her daddy.
Parts of this were just cheesy, and a reason that everyone should put a little forethought into their funeral, but other parts were very moving.
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