Mariah Carey & Jennifer Hudson To Sing at Michael Jackson Memorial

Singers Mariah Carey and Jennifer Hudson have been tapped to take part in Michael Jackson’s memorial service in Los Angeles at the Staples center on today, Tuesday, July 7, 2009. The news was announced early on Monday, July 6, 2009 that the two were selected to participate in the memorial service for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson who died on June 25, 2009.

Mariah Carey is expected to sing her rendition of Michael Jackson’s song “I’ll Be There” which she first sung in 1992 on MTV Unplugged which gained her nods, according to reports.  In 2001, Mariah Carey participated in the “United We Stand” benefit concert for September 11, 2001 victims in which she performed alongside Michael Jackson.

Jennifer Hudson, who won American Idol in 2004 during the third season, will also be taking the stage to pay tribute to Michael Jackson who has inspired so many throughout his career.

Other stars who are expected to pay tribute to Michael Jackson include Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Smokey Robinson, John Mayer, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, amongst others.

On Monday, July 6, 2009, 8,750 Michael Jackson fans were each awarded tickets to the service through an online lottery in which more than 1.6 million fans registered for. Fans who were awarded tickets also received an extra ticket for a guest totaling 17,500 tickets and wristbands to be given out. According to reports only 11,000 people will be inside the Los Angeles Staples Center where the service will be held, while 6,500 people are expected to be watching on screens inside of the Nokia Theater located next door.

The memorial service will begin at 11 am CST / 10 am PST.

Burial of Michael Jackson is expected to take place on July 8, 2009 at a private location, according to sources.