Details of the Ceremony Engraving Michael Jackson’s Handprint and Footprint in Hollywood

Yesterday, a special ceremony was held at the Chinese Theatre, where Michael Jackson would officially join the group of about 200 artists of this theatre. Big names such as Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe are among the figures associated with this theatre.

At the ceremony, the audience witnessed speeches by people such as Diahby Ellen, Chris Tucker, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, as well as performances by other artists and also a Cirque du Soleil group.

Also, during a part of the ceremony, Paris Jackson came on stage to welcome Justin Bieber:

“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 being the teacher of someone like this and would have been very happy that he came here today to attend the ceremony. We all love his music, and I personally do too. So everyone, please welcome Justin Bieber.”

Justin Bieber came on stage to give a speech. He had previously written on Twitter that he would go to the Chinese Theatre to honor the greatest artist. The 17-year-old Bieber said:

“I don’t usually get nervous, but right now I’m a little anxious. Mostly because Michael was so important to me, and I know he is important to you too. He wasn’t just a showman—he was an 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 will remember him for his singing and dancing, but they will also remember him for the man 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 that 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 would look in the mirror and sing ‘Rockin’ Robin’* and now I want to sing that song for you.”

(*Rockin’ Robin is a song from Michael’s first solo album, Got To Be There (1972). The song placed second on the R&B Top 100.)

He then sang part of the song. Of course, despite the dream in his head, he couldn’t do as well as 13-year-old Michael, but the Jackson family appreciated his presence and performance.

Before leaving the crowd, Bieber thanked everyone and said, “I love you, Michael.” After the ceremony, he wrote to Paris on Twitter: “Thank you for the words you said about me. Your father is my teacher. I will only learn from him.”

After that, 14-year-old Prince, 13-year-old Paris, and 9-year-old Blanket came on stage.

Prince said:

“Hello Los Angeles... My father received the Lifetime Achievement Award (2010 Grammy Awards). He worked hard for this award. But for me—and I think I can also speak on his behalf—what will happen now is the lifetime achievement of his career. This is something he worked very hard to earn, and today we will present it to him.”

Katherine Jackson, along with her sons Tito and Jackie, and also John Branca, the head of the foundation, were among the other figures at the ceremony. Billy Bush, the reporter from Access Hollywood, was also the host of the event.

This ceremony was held at the same time as the opening of Michael Jackson’s Immortal Tour in Los Angeles. The tour features performances by Cirque du Soleil performers, with shows based on Michael Jackson’s works.

Next, the main part of the ceremony began. The three children of Michael Jackson stood in front of the cement surface that had been prepared in advance. They had practiced the day before for the ceremony.

At first, Paris wrote her father’s name on the cement with a pen, and between his first and last name she drew the shape of a heart. Then she took her father’s white, symbolic glove and pressed it onto the sheet placed over the cement so that his imprint would be left on the surface. At that moment, she faced very loud cheers and shouts from the crowd—an extremely emotional moment.

After that, Prince and Blanket each took one of their father’s shoes and engraved their imprints on the cement.

The biggest surprise of the ceremony was that the three of them were asked to also record their own handprints on the cement surface next to their father.

Other sweet moments from yesterday’s ceremony included the presence of the famous comedian Chris Tucker and what he said:

“The best feeling in the world is to make the King of Pop laugh.”

Source: eMJey.com / ABC News / USA Today