Jackson's memorial to be a star-studded spectacle

Michael Jackson had once said that he wanted his funeral to be "the greatest show on Earth" and it seems that pop legend's wish has come true with stage set for a star-studded extravaganza at his memorial today.

Jackson, 50, died after a suspected cardiac arrest on June 25 just weeks before his comeback concerts.

The memorial service of the 'King of Pop' is expected to be this year's most spectacular event with artistes like Stevie Wonder, soul diva Diana Ross, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey and John Mayer set to perform.

The other celebrities who will attend the event are Lionel Richie, Motown founder Berry Gordy, Kobe Bryant, Martin Luther King III, Motown legend Smokey Robinson and Brooke Shields, a statement from the family said.

Ross and Wonder are among the entertainers who have been approached to sing at the event, and organisers are said to be considering a stunning finale with guests joining together to sing hits like 'Heal the World' and 'Man in the Mirror'.

However, Jackson's closest friend veteran actress Elizabeth Taylor has declined to attend the memorial.

"I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others. How I feel is between us. Not a public event...I love him too much," said Taylor.

Jackson's body will not be at the memorial service as family is expected to bury him in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Hills, a San Fernando Valley cemetery, before the public memorial at the Staples Centre, which is scheduled to start at 10 A.M. (2330 IST).