AP Photo/Reed SaxonIn the midst of Dr. Conrad Murray's manslaughter trial, Michael Jackson's fans and loved ones gathered together in Cardiff, Wales for a happier occasion—the celebration of Jackson's life.
The Michael Jackson Forever Tribute Concert kicked off Saturday with Katherine, Latoya, Tito, Marlon and Jackie Jackson on hand, along with the King of Pop's children, Prince, Paris and Michael Joseph Jr. (affectionately known as Blanket).
Noticeably absent were Janet, Jermaine and Randy Jackson, who were against the concert being held during the same time as Murray's trial.
"While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death," Randy and Jermaine posted on their Twitter accounts on the heels of the announcement of the concert.
But, in spite of the family rift and reports that surfaced saying the concert had a good chance of being cancelled (as well as the Black Eyed Peas last-minute drop out) the show went off without a hitch.
Ne-Yo, who said he was "shaking in his boots," according to Wales Online, when he opened the show hosted by Fearne Cotton and Jamie Foxx, performed "Billie Jean" and the "Lady in My Life."
And then it was time for more song-and-dance numbers from the likes of Leona Lewis, who performed "Stranger in Moscow" with ballerinas dancing in the background, and baby bumpin' Beyonce, who via video sang "I Wanna Be Where You Are."
Meanwhile, Christina Aguilera hit the stage to belt out "Smile" and "Dirty Diana," while Cee Lo gave a soulful rendition of "I Can't Help it" and "You Can't Win."
Craig Davis, Smokey Robinson, Alien Ant Farm, Gladys Knight, Pixie Lott, 3T (Jackson's nephews), Yolanda Adams and Alexandra Burke were also on hand to sing some of the music icon's greatest hits, and Foxx even stepped down from his hosting duties for a moment to perform "Rock With You" solo and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" with JLS and The Jacksons. (Jackson's three kids even joined in and danced onstage during "Don't Stop," the show's finale.)
Jennifer Hudson, who was supposed to perform "Leave Me Alone" and "Gone Too Soon" at the tribute, tweeted fans during the show to let them know she would be absent.
"To my u.k. fans that were coming to the mj show in wales," Hudson wrote. "I will no longer be attending due to major production issues. I would have thought they would have informed you all by now, so since they did not, I am. Thank u for your support."
Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009 after suffering from cardiac arrest in his home. The iconic musician's doctor, Murray, is currently on trial facing manslaughter charges surrounding Jackson's death.