Kelly Wallace's Notebook: Michael Jackson

By: Kelly Wallace
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

(AP)

Eleven thousand lucky ticket holders got a chance to see the spectacular sendoff of their icon Michael Jackson today at the Staples Center.

Another seven thousand were next door at the Nokia Theater, and no doubt millions around the world watched on television.

As biographer Randy Taraborrelli said that's how Michael would have wanted it.

His family, friends and fans may be laying the King of Pop to rest soon, but this will not be the end of the story. Impending court proceedings on the estate and custody of his three kids will dominate headlines for weeks to come.

But today isn't about all that. It's about the music and the magic that Michael Jackson brought into our lives for so many decades.

And, perhaps a fitting tribute as a media circus leaves LA - a real one is coming: Ringling Brothers is loading at the Staples Center.

I don't know why but I believe that would make Michael smile.

Complete coverage of Michael Jackson's life and death.

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by elizabethblascruz July 8, 2009 6:30 PM EDT: Katie,
I always loved to watch you when you were on the Today show. I never missed a day with you and Matt. Ever since you left I do not watch you anymore. I am not sure what it is. I just dont feel like you do as well as the others when your by yourself. Your still cute and all but your personality is so different. You do not appear happy to me.; Reply to this comment


by mattcat25 July 8, 2009 11:06 AM EDT: The Great Stevie Wonder was noticeably very upset. I didn't recognize the song he played, was it an original for the occasion?

Anyway, Stevie Wonder formally known as "Little Stevie Wonder" was a child (or, teen) hit music star when his career originated as well.

Stevie Wonder stated that he never would've thought that he would be playing at Michael Jackson's Funeral. I noticed that his piano playing was sort of rambling in his characteristic Stevie Wonder manner but in an almost bemused or free lance order at times.

I felt Stevie Wonder was saddened for his friend and everything that was Michael Jackson during his life, along with his early departure.; Reply to this comment


by casey_abbott July 8, 2009 9:31 AM EDT: I ask my fellow Angelinos for their patience and understanding.; Reply to this comment

by guest173 July 8, 2009 2:01 AM EDT

Katie Couric told Spike Lee that Michael Jackson was weird and he bleached his skin, which is something Michael denied in his interview with Oprah. Katie seems very rude and disrespectful, I can't believe she told Spike Lee, who is an obvious MJ fan, that he was weird?!

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by guest173 July 8, 2009 2:04 AM EDT: especially since the man had just died


by krissyl105 July 8, 2009 1:09 AM EDT: I'm so disappointed in the coverage on the funeral/memorial. The CONSTANT talking and commentary in between speakers during the farewell was annoying and nerve racking. Also that stupid band across the bottom of the screen that said "CBS special report" obstructed the screen. WHY WHY WHY does Katie have to repeat what we just saw on the TV? And her gloom and doom attitude toward the whole thing was such a downer!

The additional audio was horrible and did not shut off in time to clearly hear each speaker and cut into their opening remarks. I will say thank you to Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds who was respectful enough to know it was time to be quiet once the event started.

I am NEVER turning to CBS again to watch coverage like this. I regret choosing this channel to DVR this special event.; Reply to this comment


by 1234TAJ July 7, 2009 11:34 PM EDT: Katie,

Why do you cover funerals/memorials? You did a horrible job on Princess Diana's service and an even worse job on Michael Jackson's. I am just so glad that I was home only one hour after the coverage began so I only had to listen to you for beginning. I was able to turn to a more responsible network that just showed the service. What a dissapointment!; Reply to this comment


by IHardcastle July 7, 2009 11:28 PM EDT: I am so disappointed with your ending comments on Micheal. "More of an enigma than a ICON"..."a potentially dangerous man that never got caught"..."more a curiosity than a celebrity".

Why? Why now? Why today?

You just lost a viewer.; Reply to this comment


by miss59 July 7, 2009 11:23 PM EDT: katie i just cant figure out what you get out of being so nasty! im sick of the way you just have to say terrible things at the end of all your interviews. this will be the last time me and my neighborhood watch you. we all agree you are a barbara walters want- a- be, and you will never even come close to her cause she has compassion for the people she interviews.; Reply to this comment

by karenkaytaylor July 7, 2009 10:42 PM EDT

Katie
Today was your opportunity to reflect the best of Michael, his family, his life and his contributions to our lives and to the world. Your commets were offensive, this was a celebration, and honestly a funeral. This was not the time to be the investigative reporter, this was not the time to embrass those you were interviewing with comments and questions outside of the purpose of today. If you could not love the purpose and the moment and to share in the emotional reflections, and to help others share and heal, than you should have stepped away. This assighment required warmth and consideration of the needs of so many. You needed to understand loss and healing, today you were absent the heart and emotional mirror that was so needed in your role. You were not to report... flat voiced, repeating what we already new, adding facts that did not matter today.....on an event, your assignment was to reflect an experience for other to share and learn and heal. It was not about you.
please, watch this amazing celebration and mirror of an amazing life and death, learn what you missed, for next time.

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by 1234TAJ July 7, 2009 11:29 PM EDT: I agree 100%


by jahblesses July 7, 2009 9:37 PM EDT: Katie,
I was not at all impressed with your early coverage of the memorial service. Is there not one time when you can remain positive and show respect for the dearly departed? At the beginning of the memorial services certainly was not the time to mention Michael's legal troubles. Have we lost our sense of respect in order to earn a living?; Reply to this comment