Touching, classy, heartfelt…..well done.
As Smokey Robinson opened the service by reading a letter from former South African President Nelson Mandela, my thoughts shifted quickly to Congressman from New York, Peter King. In that moment, I smiled, laughed out loud and wondered what the classless Congressman might have to say about one of the worlds most respected individuals paying tribute to the man he branded a "low-life." It was a good moment one that I let go because I realized the more time I spent thinking about King and his idiotic comments, the more credibility I gave to them. I'm guessing King will not vote in favor of HR 600, a bill Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee said she will introduce on the floor of the House recognizing Michael as a world humanitarian.
The best speaker was Brooke Shields who was simply able to take the legend Michael Jackson and turn him into human version of the icon we knew. Her stories about their laugh contests and sneaking into Elizabeth Taylor's room to get a peek at her wedding dress only to discover after being in the room for sometime that Liz was actually in the room sleeping were great to hear. Over the years people have tried to portray Michael as 'human' but we rarely listened. He was a genius…an amazing performer…weird. Her stories, at least for me, changed the way I'll look at him from this day forward.
Best performances – this one is hard. All the performers did an amazing job. Mariah had a rough start and seemed to stumble at times, but she seemed emotional so it was understandable. Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Usher were all solid and wonderfull. But the best of the best have to be John Mayer's "Human Nature" Jennifer Hudson's "Will You Be There," and Jermanie Jackson's rendition of 'Smile," which is what brought tears to my eyes.
I will forever love this song and thought it was fitting that the Brothers wheeled Michael's casket out of the arena as it played in the background.
RIP Michael…and thank you for entertaining us with your music.
Repartee Room 
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