Several thousand fans on Tuesday joined Michael Jackson’s family and friends, as well as dozens of legendary music industry figures, to bid farewell to the “King of Pop” at a public memorial service at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

In a ceremony suffused with nostalgia, perhaps the most poignant moment came when Jackson's 11-year-old daughter Paris Katherine struggled to hold back tears as she remembered not the pop icon, but the man who took care of her: "Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," she said. "And I just wanted to say I love him so much."

The event, the details of which had remained shrouded in secrecy until the last minute, turned out to be an emotional tribute to a global superstar whose appeal effortlessly crossed lines of race, age, religion and nationality.

Some 18,000 fans had entered an Internet lottery to win tickets to the service in the arena or to watch a live screening in a nearby theatre.

The backdrop of the arena's stage was a giant picture of Jackson that read: "In Loving Memory of Michael Jackson, King of Pop, 1958-2009".

The memorial opened with singer and record executive Smokey Robinson reading messages of condolences from former South African president Nelson Mandela and Jackson’s close friend, singer Diana Ross.

With Jackson’s family seated in the front row, the service continued with renditions of some of the singer's most celebrated hits performed by a line-up of high-profile artists, starting with Mariah Carey reprising the 1970 Jackson Five ballad "I'll Be There". Singers Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson followed.

Michael Jackson's family arrived at a Los Angeles funeral home Tuesday morning before a private service for the pop star.AP The golden bracelet awarded to the 17,500 winners of the online lottery, granting access to the service in the Staples Center or live screening at the Nokia theatre next door.AP Michael Jackson's coffin arrives in front of the stage at the Staples Center.AP Rapper and actress Queen Latifah paid tribute to Jackson on stage.AP Mariah Carey paid tribute with a rendition of Jackson 5 hit "I'll Be There."AP Lionel Ritchie sang in tribute to the "King of Pop".AP Actress Brooke Shields struggled to hold back tears as she reminisced about Jackson.AP Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson sang "Will You Be There?" in honour of the late pop icon.AP Stevie Wonder drew cheers for his performance.AP The Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, where fans gathered to pay tribute to a controversial but beloved global star.AP Jesse Jackson arrived at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles for the public memorial service.AP After a one-hour ceremony, Jackson's 25,000-dollar gold-plated casket was transported to the Staples Center, where the public memorial service was to take place.AP

Civil rights leader Al Sharpton spoke passionately of the racial obstacles Jackson had to overcome; Motown record label founder Berry Gordy earned thunderous applause when he referred to Jackson as “the greatest entertainer that ever lived”; and actress Brooke Shields, visibly moved, reminisced about Jackson’s playful sense of humour and sensitivity.

FRANCE 24 correspondent Gallagher Fenwick, reporting via Twitter from inside the arena, described the event as “restrained” but “moving”.

Outside the Staples Center, an additional 1,400 police officers provided security as masses gathered to celebrate a performer whose art -- revered by fans, critics and fellow musicians alike -- seems likely to be the most enduring legacy of a life haunted by controversy.