The story

They were there for Michael Jackson.

They were celebrities. Motown founder Berry Gordy came. So did singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson. Diana Ross sent her wishes, as did Nelson Mandela.

They were fans -- two girls from Canada who were given their tickets by a complete stranger. A pair of men who wanted to fulfill a Mexican tradition by distributing memorial ribbons. A woman who wore a dress laden with Jackson buttons.

They cheered as his golden casket was wheeled out to a brightly lit spot below center stage. They cried as Lionel Richie sang "Jesus Is Love."

And when Gordy called him "the greatest entertainer who ever lived," they rose for a standing ovation. Photos: Stars honor Michael Jackson Read full article »

CNN's Jacque Wilson, Paul Chase and Thom Patterson contributed to this report.

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