COVERITLIVE.COM

11:59

Star Tribune - Hey, everyone. Welcome to a live chat with Star Tribune pop culture critic Kristin Tillotson and TV critic Neal Justin. They'll be responding to your questions and comments about Michael Jackson and his memorial service. So start submitting your questions and thoughts now, and they'll be here shortly to start the chat.

12:02

neal - Hi everyone. We're just two of as estimated billion people who are watching this event. The last memorial I can remember that compares was Princess Di's, which in the USA aired in the early morning hours. Kristin, can you believe all the networks are covering this? Or is this appropriate?

12:04

Kristin Tillotson - Yes, I can believe all the networks are covering it, and as for appropriateness, I think it's impossible to say. There will probably never be another star with the popularity arc of Michael Jackson, because pop culture is now too fractured. So maybe this is a sort of farewell to that, also.

12:04

neal -

Interesting note: Brian Williams and Katie Couric are on site; Charles Gibson is not.

12:05

neal - It's also a testimony to a guy who deliberately wanted his life played out in the media (a strategy that sometimes backfired). I've got to wonder what Elvis Presley's funeral would have been like in this media age.

12:06

neal - VH1 reports that this is the biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics.

12:06

Kristin Tillotson -

For all you stargazers: here are some notables on the guest list -- Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Kobe Bryant, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Usher, Brooke Shields, Mariah Carey, Berry Gordy, John Mayer, Magic Johnson.

12:07

Kristin Tillotson - And -- I believe this goes without saying, but I will -- the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

12:07

neal - Those joining us are more than encouraged to share your thoughts and ask us questions throughout the ceremony. Should be about 90 minutes in length.

12:08

neal - I hope Sharpton is limited to two minutes. He's been getting on my nerves. But that's nothing new.

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