Pic Post! The Michael Jackson Memorial Service

Given the messy spectacle that was Michael Jackson's life, one could easily imagine his memorial service, held yesterday at LA's Staples Center, would be a three ring circus. What was surprising was how very subdued and touching it was at times. Some highlights included brother Jermaine's performance of his brother's favorite song, "Smile," Usher's performance of "Gone Too Soon" (the song MJ wrote in tribute to Ryan White), Brooke Shield's tearful eulogy, and perhaps most touching of all: When Jackson's daughter Paris-Michael took the microphone....

"I just wanted to say ... ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him — so much."

Of course, the ceremony and its eclectic collection of mourners did offer a dose of the surreal. What other event could bring the likes of John Mayer, Mickey Rooney, Chris Brown, Corey Feldman, LaToya Jackson, Brooke Shields, and Larry King under one roof. (Besides maybe a celebrity roast for Kathy Griffin)?

Check out some of the highlight photos below....

Mourners sign a billboard outside the Staples Center

All photos credit: Getty Images

Brooke Shields