Family and friends of Michael Jackson have taken part in a spectacular tribute to the singer’s life and musical legacy in Los Angeles.

Famous faces from stage and screen joined thousands of Jackson’s fans at the Staples Center, while millions watched around the world on television.

Tributes were paid from many of Jackson’s family members, including his daughter, Paris.

The eleven-year-old, who has spent much of her life shielded from the media spotlight, described the singer as “the best father you could ever imagine”.

"And I just wanted to say I love him so much,” she added.

Paris Katherine was comforted by Jackson’s siblings and parents as she gave the heartfelt speech towards the close of the ceremony.

Huge TV audience

A worldwide audience of up to one billion people are thought to have tuned in for the event, which came just twelve days after Jackson’s death on June 25.

Fittingly, it was the arrival of Jackson’s coffin which formally began proceedings at the Staples Center.

The coffin, decorated in red roses, was carried into the arena by Jackson’s four brothers, who all wore white diamond gloves in tribute to the star.

Motown tributes

Performances came from a mixture of Jackson’s Motown peers and artists who had been inspired by his music, including Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder.

Meanwhile, tribute speeches were made from the likes of the Reverend Al. Sharpton, the children of Martin Luther King and Brooke Shields.

Sheilds, who is thought to have once dated Jackson, said: "He was often referred to as the King but the Michael that I knew was always the little prince.

“Michael saw everything with his heart."

Jermaine's tears

Jermaine Jackson also sang a rendition of ‘Smile’ – described by Shields as Jackson’s favourite song.

Jermaine, who had been moved to tears, threw a single rose onto Jackson’s coffin at the end of the song.

Later performances came from Usher, Jennifer Hudson and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Shaheen Jarfagholi, who had been due to join Jackson at his comeback shows.

There was also a performance from the dancers and singers due to participate in Jackson’s ill-fated gigs, which would have begun at London’s O2 Arena next week.

Earlier in the day, Jackson’s family attended a private service at the Forest Lawn cemetery in Los Angeles, where Jackson’s body had been kept in recent days.

(by Jason Gregory)