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Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey at Jackson service
2009-07-07
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Singers Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey are among a bevy of stars slated to appear at Michael Jackson's memorial service, organizers said Monday. Soul legend Wonder and pop diva Carey were included on a provisional list of participants at Tuesday's ceremony which will also include stars such as John Mayer, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and Usher. Other celebrities taking part at the Staples Center include Jackson's former girlfriend Brooke Shields, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and Oscar-winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson. There was also a call-up for British youngster Shaheen Jafargholi, who became a viral sensation for his rendition of Michael Jackson's "Who's Lovin' You" on the hit television show "Britain's Got Talent" earlier this year. Jafargholi has played a young Michael Jackson in a production of "Thriller -- Live," a stage musical celebrating the pop star. Representatives for the Jackson family said Monday no further information about the memorial would be released. Organizers say Tuesday's 90-minute event will be a celebration of the life of Jackson, who died on June 25 at age 50 of an apparent cardiac arrest. The producer of the show told the New York Daily News on Sunday the service would likely feature performances from stars but would be restrained. "It will be a celebration of Michael's life (but) we're not approaching it as a TV show," producer Ken Ehrlich was quoted as saying. "In the future, there may be a tribute to Michael Jackson. This is really a memorial service. It's not going to have all the bells and whistles. We want to keep it low-key." "People who are watching it, both live and on TV, can expect to see people who have played a role in his life, who will both be reminiscing about him and speaking to the impact he's made," he added.
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