Chinese Theatre Ceremony: Full Description with Photos + Download the Full Ceremony Video
On Thursday in front of the Chinese Theatre—Michael Jackson’s favorite place on Hollywood Boulevard—a ceremony was held to pay tribute to the King of Pop and engrave his hand and shoe prints onto a concrete plaque.
Michael’s children were the main focus of the ceremony, because the task of making their father’s legacy immortal at the Chinese Theatre was on their shoulders.
Prince wore a shirt with a design of the Jackson 5—part of the clothing line of the Jackson brothers, which was launched after Michael’s passing. Paris also wore a T-shirt featuring a design of her father.
Michael’s mother Katherine, along with her two brothers—Jackie and Tito—stood next to John Branca, the head of the Michael Jackson Foundation. Quincy Jones, who produced three of his albums with Michael, Smokey Robinson, a prominent artist and longtime friend of the Jackson family, Chris Tucker, the famous comedian and Michael’s close friend, Debbie Allen, the dancer artist and Michael’s friend, Travis Payne, the choreographer of the Immortal Tour and one of Michael’s longtime collaborators, Greg Phillinganes, the musical director of the Immortal Tour and also one of Michael’s longtime collaborators, and Justin Bieber, the teen singer and Michael’s fan, were among the special guests.
You can download the full ceremony video in its original quality during the live internet broadcast, along with explanations in 10 parts. This video is taken directly from the Chinese Theatre website.
Download Part One 9:37 minutesBilly Bush (Billy Bush), the Access Hollywood reporter and host, begins like this:
“Today we celebrate the most successful artist of all time, as proven by Guinness World Records. His concrete plaque will be placed alongside the giants of Hollywood, including Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, and... Today, Michael Jackson’s legacy as a global idol will be immortal for more than four decades, and the incomparable King of Pop will be forever enshrined.”
Then a group of singers and dancers perform three of Michael’s songs—Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ - They Don’t Care About Us - Earth Song—on stage.
Download Part Two 4:19 minutes
Billy Bush: “Michael Jackson was the seventh child in the Jackson family. In 1964, he began his career alongside his brothers in the Jackson 5. The Jackson 5 became a phenomenon in the 1970s, and in 1979 they earned their star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. In 1997, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Videos of Michael and his brothers are shown, and then the Jackson family and Michael’s children enter the stage.
Tito says he’s happy about holding this ceremony, and that there isn’t a day that he doesn’t remember his brother. He said he knows Michael is here among them today, and he misses his fans.
Jackie also has a big surprise for everyone:
Do you remember that Michael’s broken stone heart? The one that had been set aside for years and no one knew it existed. Also, not long ago in the news you read that the Jackson family was looking to buy it... Well, they got what they wanted, and on Thursday, during the ceremony, the stone was unveiled. Michael’s handprint, shoes, and signature were engraved on this stone in 1984. On the handprint of Michael on this stone, a shape like a broken heart appears. This stone will remain next to Michael Jackson’s concrete plaque at the Chinese Theatre.
Download Part Three 4:23 minutes
After the stone is shown, Chris Tucker comes on stage to share memories of Michael.
“The best feeling in the world was when I made the King of Pop laugh. He was my idol from childhood, and the fact that I got to know him and be his friend made me happy. He changed the world with his innovations, and being friends with him and spending time with him has been an honor for me.
I won’t forget the memories of those days. I remember the first time I went to Neverland (Michael’s ranch in Los Olivos), I poured a cup of hot chocolate, and I panicked thinking that because of this mess, they might not let me go there again. I told Jackie that I spilled the chocolate on the ground. He said it doesn’t matter—this is Neverland. Michael came in and said (imitating his voice), ‘What? What are you two talking about? Hot chocolate? It doesn’t matter—go for a drive.’ (crowd laughs)
I remember being in a video with him (You Rock My World) and I kept messing up because I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He would say, ‘Chris, look straight ahead! We’re filming a video—don’t look at me so much! I paid for this video, Chris! Do you know how much money I spent on this video?!’ I said, ‘Michael, I can’t believe I’m playing in a video next to you!’ He said, ‘Believe it, Chris. Believe it! Now look straight ahead.’ (crowd laughs)
I have so many memories of him. He used to tease me for imitating his voice. He was a great person—not only because he was the biggest star in the world and changed the world and no one will ever be like him again, but because he was the kindest person and he did so much for charities. You can’t count the money he gave to charities. He was the greatest human being in the world, and I’m thankful to him.”
Billy Bush: “He made me laugh too... Michael was introduced twice in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—once as a member of the Jackson 5 and once as a solo artist in 2001. His services in music, dance, and fashion, alongside his humanitarian work, made him a global figure in pop culture. But Michael was also a very introverted man. With the clip we’re about to show, a window will be opened for us into a world we’ve never seen.”
Scenes from the exhibit of Michael’s memorabilia in Las Vegas are shown.
Download Part Four 9:22 minutes
Billy Bush thanks John Branca and John McClain, the heads of the Michael Jackson Foundation, and praises their achievements, including This Is It—the most successful musical documentary film in cinema history—plus the video game experience, which became the number one video game in the world in 2011, and also the Immortal Tour. He says the Immortal Tour was the highest-grossing tour in the United States, and soon it will become the number one tour in the world when Cirque du Soleil begins traveling to Europe and Asia.
“John (Branca) is with us today. Thank you both for today’s ceremony.”
Then Melanie Fiona (Melanie Fiona) comes on stage to sing “I’ll Be There.”
Next, the prominent artist Smokey Robinson (Smokey Robinson), whom Bush calls a master, comes on stage to give a speech and says:
“I’m here today to pay tribute to my little brother. He was amazing, and his legacy and talent will live forever. I’m happy to see you here in this place because he deserves your presence.”
Smokey then sings a short piece of his own song titled Who’s Loving You. Michael had covered this song as a child, and Smokey has always said he believes Michael’s cover is better than the original. He jokes:
“I don’t want to sing this song because Michael already sang it. Michael’s cover, as a member of the Jackson 5, is the best version of this song I’ve ever heard. Every time I sing it at my concerts, people—especially young people—come up to me and ask, ‘Why did you sing Michael’s song?’ And I never understood how a child at his age could understand the meaning of this song so well and sing it, but he did. I loved him and I miss him. I’ve seen a lot of talent in my life, but I’ve never seen—and I don’t think I’ll ever see—anyone as talented as Michael. I’m honored to be here today to pay tribute to him. God bless you, Michael. I know you’re in a good place.”
Download Part Five 8:06 minutes
The next speaker is Quincy Jones (Quincy Jones), who alongside Michael produced three albums—Bad, Thriller, and Off The Wall. He is also considered one of the biggest figures in the music industry, and Bush welcomes him on stage as “master.”
Quincy talked about his memory of first meeting Michael in the middle of the 1970s during the filming of The Wiz, and how after that Michael asked him to introduce a producer for his album. Quincy told Michael to let him handle the production of his album.
“Telling my memories with Michael takes six weeks. I used to call him smelly, though he didn’t smell bad at all. He avoided saying the word funk and instead used the word smelly, which made us call him smelly... Katherine, if there was any misunderstanding about this, I apologize.” (crowd laughs)
He then explained his collaborations with Michael and says that more than thirty years have passed, and wherever he goes, people are busy playing Michael’s songs—and that isn’t a coincidence. He continues that he is sure this trend will remain in the world for decades and decades.
“His legacy will be what remains alive. I, like everyone else, mourned the news that Michael left us, but the truth is that Michael will never leave this world. He shattered racial boundaries around the globe. He was a different kind of artist and human being. He was a man with the soul of a child who worked tirelessly, with all his heart, and supported children... Katherine, Prince, Paris, Blanket; Michael is watching you from heaven at this moment and smiling. I love you—God bless you, Michael.”
Next, videos of Michael are shown.
Download Part Six 5:36 minutesKatherine Jackson and Paris introduce Justin Bieber.
Katherine: “This is a wonderful celebration, and I know that if Michael were here, seeing the friends, loved ones, and fans who are here, he would agree with me... Paris and I want to introduce a young man the world knows and who is my son’s fan. Over the years, he grew up listening to Michael’s music, and of course he’s still a kid. I’ll leave the introduction of him to Paris.”
Paris goes on stage:
“I want to introduce an artist who, just like my father, entered this profession at a very young age. I know my father would have welcomed the idea of being the mentor of someone like this, and he would have been very happy that he’s here today for the ceremony. We all love his music—I personally do too. So everyone, please welcome Justin Bieber.”
Justin Bieber comes on stage to speak:
“I’m usually not nervous, but right now I’m a little anxious. Mostly because Michael was very important to me, and I know he is important to you too. He wasn’t just a stage manager—he was a source of inspiration. He was kind and noble. He was a very good-hearted person, and that’s why I look up to him. I think people remember him for his singing and dancing, but they will also remember him for who he was. Please clap for Michael... I want to be complete. I want to be the best that I can be. That’s what Michael did—he always wanted to be the best he could be. He always worked hard, and I want to be like him and be as good as he was... When I was a kid, I looked in the mirror and sang ‘Rockin’ Robin,’ and now I want to sing that song for you... I love you, Michael.”
Videos of Michael are shown.
Download Part Seven 3:47 minutes
Billy Bush introduces the series Glee and clips of their performances based on Michael’s songs are shown from television.
One of the show’s actors, Harry Shum Jr (Harry Shum Jr), is ready to speak:
“Everyone, for the honor of Michael... being here is an honor for me. I usually don’t get excited when I see stars. We’ve all seen scenes where fans scream and cry when they see Michael. I used to tell myself that if I saw Michael, nothing like that would happen. Until one day behind the doors of Neverland, while I was eating ice cream, I suddenly saw Michael walk past. I couldn’t help it—I said, ‘Michael!? Michael!... Maaaichael!?’ (shouting) ‘Maaaaaichael!!!!?’ ‘Maaaaaaaaaaaaichael?!’ I eventually became one of those people who scream and shout when they see Michael—he had that kind of effect on people... He was perfectionist, and as a dancer he really impressed me. Ask anyone—everyone knows Michael’s dancing. Thank you, Michael, for everything you did in dance and music. It’s an honor for us to pay tribute in Glee.”
Billy Bush: “The success of Michael’s videos, including Beat It, Billie Jean, and the trailer, helped shape the MTV network. With his dances, he introduced new moves—among them, we should mention the robot dance and the moonwalk.”
Videos of Michael are shown.
Download Part Eight 5:19 minutes
Debbie Allen (Debbie Allen) enters the stage with prominent dancers. In 1994, Michael had given her an award at the NAACP Awards.
“Michael Jackson... he was a discoverer, an inventor, an engineer, an architect, a genius... and he was my friend, for one thing—dance! Dance was all we talked about. He practiced for hours and hours every day. Music might have been his surprise, but his love was dance. He had an insatiable appetite to keep expanding the language of dance—a different language from all other languages. So here, to pay tribute to this great man, the young men of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy will show what Michael taught them and inspired millions of others... Jam!”
After a short clip of the song “Watts 2000” is played, the group dances to Michael’s song “Jam.”
Download Part Nine 14:24 minutesBilly Bush:
“Michael Jackson was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for dance, and he is currently the only and first pop artist to be inducted into this Hall. He has set a large number of records—13 Grammy Awards, as well as the Grammy Legend Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He has won Artist of the Century and 26 American Music Awards, which is the highest number among artists. He has had 13 number-one singles in the United States, and his album sales exceed 750 million copies worldwide. Michael has won hundreds of awards, and his name is recorded as the artist with the most awards—and he’s still winning awards.”
Bush then invites Prince, Paris, and Blanket to come on stage. Prince says:
“Hello, Los Angeles... As Billy said, my father earned the Lifetime Achievement Award. He worked hard for this award. But for me—and I think I can also speak for him—what will happen now is the achievement of his lifetime. This is something he worked tirelessly to earn, and today we will present it to him.”
They then go down from the stage to perform the ceremony of engraving Michael’s hand and shoe prints onto a concrete surface.
First, Paris is asked to write her father’s name on the surface. She draws the shape of a heart between his first name and last name.
Then it’s time for Michael’s handprint. A plastic sheet is placed on the concrete surface to prevent Michael’s sequined glove from getting dirty. Billy Bush says this glove is priceless.
Paris takes disposable gloves out of her pocket and puts them on. Then, with pride and respect, she takes her father’s glove, presses it onto the plastic sheet on the concrete surface to make the imprint. At that moment, the sound of screams reaches its peak.
After removing the plastic sheet, Billy says the glove has imprinted well on the cement, and even the raised sequins are visible.
Then Prince and Blanket place Michael’s shoes on the surface. There’s a problem—the surface becomes smooth—and they ask them to repeat the process. Prince helps Blanket with the task.
Then they are asked to record their own handprints next to their father’s on the concrete. After the ceremony ends, all the guests gather around the concrete surface to take a group photo.
After that, Prince is asked to write the date of the day in the format 12-26-1 on the surface.
Download Part Ten 6:31 minutes
The ceremony ends with the presence of Cirque du Soleil artists and a show performance with Michael’s songs.
Billy Bush: “The Immortal Tour opens tomorrow at the Staples Center.”
“Thank you, everyone... Today was an emotional day. A day with the presence of so many idols who paid tribute to their greatest one... Michael Jackson was officially immortalized at the Chinese Theatre.”
Videos of Michael are shown.
Source: eMJey.com