Jacko's gold coffin is centre stage (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Jacko's gold coffin is centre stage

9:11pm Tuesday 7th July 2009

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Michael Jackson took centre stage for one last time as family members helped carry his gold coffin into the biggest celebrity send-off ever.

Many in the audience were visibly upset at the sight of the coffin. Fans were seen breaking down in tears as the body was brought in as the Andrae Crouch Choir sang on stage.

Before Lionel Richie appeared on stage to sing Jesus is Love, Queen Latifah appeared on stage to speak of the worldwide sadness over the pop legend's death. "In Birmingham Alabama and Birmingham England, we are missing Michael Jackson," she said.

Latifah had said earlier: "I'm here representing millions of fans around the world who grew up listening to Michael, being inspired and loving Michael from a distance.

"Somehow when Michael Jackson sang and when he danced, we felt he was right there. He made you believe in yourself."

After Magic Johnson - the US basketball hero - revealed that Jackson had a soft spot for Kentucky Fried Chicken, actress Jennifer Hudson, whose own life was hit by tragedy, sang Jackson's hit You're Always In My Heart.

In a rousing speech, the Rev Al Sharpton suggested Jackson laid the foundations for a black man to become president of the United States.

The civil rights activist said: "It was Michael Jackson that brought blacks, whites and Asians together. Thank you Michael, thank you Michael, thank you Michael."

Usher, the RnB singer who identified Jackson as his greatest inspiration, became the first artist to touch Jackson's coffin.

After breaking down in tears singing Gone Too Soon, he was embraced by Jackson family members as he was led away from the stage.

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