They did it right

Elegant.

Moving.

With a minimum of famewhoring and posturing. Although there was plenty of attempts at it.

However, it was a huge mistake recording CBS's coverage of it. Interjecting Katie Couric, along with a long ago MJ biographer and Babyface, at the cost of hearing parts of Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and numerous other speakers, just so those three could 'identify' the speakers or offer color commentary was a huge mistake. But the biggest mistake was CBS cutting away from the end of the ceremony when the lone spotlight shone on a vacant spot where Michael should've been, in favor of The Price is Right... seriously?!!!

It's kind of grotesque to break down a memorial service in terms of 'favorite parts', but some moments did stand out.

For example... Marlon. I believed his grief. And his story about spotting Michael, incognito, in a record store... very funny.

And little Paris... she broke millions of hearts with her simple words. My fear, for both her and her brothers, is that the tabloids will take this occasion and use this as an alibi and justification for stalking and pursuing them in the coming years. Here's hoping the Jackson family will close ranks and shield them from the glare.

Usher and John Mayer - I've been very critical of these two and will likely be critical of them down the line, but both of them conducted themselves well and made their performances about Michael and his family and fans. Very good job.

But for me, the most memorable and moving part was Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer always brings it, in terms of performance, but when those dancers formed a circle around her, it took on a different feeling. Given the unimaginable family tragedy she suffered last fall, it was almost as if those dancers represented the community and was sending a blessing to her and her unborn baby. This may be an over the top thought, but I can't help seeing it that way.

More observations later...

And could someone tell Issues' Jane Velez-Mitchell to take it down a notch? She sounds less like a talk show host and more like a carnival side show barker.