A Joyful Tribute to Michael Jackson—MJ's Festive Funeral

By Sarah Ball
In terms of sheer magnitude, today's public memorial service for Michael Jackson is in the pantheon with those for Princess Diana and Elvis Presley. But what distinguishes Jackson's crush of fans from those at funerals past is the way they're eulogizing him: mourners are dressing, dancing and singing like the deceased. Somehow, this doesn't come off as unseemly caricature or tawdry mocking—to many, it's grieving through performance. Click to view fans at the Los Angeles service and around the globe, contrasted with the more somber crowds at other star's funerals.