If it's made public...
Jason Gregory

15:50 29th June 2009

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Michael Jackson's funeral would likely attract the biggest television audience in history, according to reports.

Although final funeral plans have yet to be released, it has been claimed that Jackson will have a public procession, followed by a private burial.


If televised, the event could be watched by as many as 750million viewers, while thousands would attend in person.

According to the Daily Mirror, Jackson's relatives are uncertain over how approach the ceremony because some are “strongly opposed to the idea of hordes of fans trampling over Michael's grave”.

But when asked in 1992 about his funeral, Jackson said: "It's going to be the greatest show on earth. That's what I want. Fireworks and everything."

Stars from stage and screen are expected to attend the singer's funeral.

Beyonce, Elizabeth Taylor and Sir Paul McCartney are among the stars who have paid tribute to Jackson over recent days.

Meanwhile, the newspaper claims US president Barack Obama could also attend the ceremony.

Jackson died following a suspected heart attack at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday.

His sudden death at the age of 50 has raised concern about the star's alleged dependency on prescription drugs.

CLICK HERE for the latest coverage of the death of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.

Michael Jackson fan vigils

  • Michael Jackson fans surround his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  • Michael Jackson fans surround his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  • Michael Jackson fans surround his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  • Michael Jackson fans gather outside the UCLA Medical Centre, where the King of Pop died.

  • Michael Jackson fans gather outside the UCLA Medical Centre, where the King of Pop died.

  • michael Jackson's fans leave a message outside Jackson's Enico home.

  • Michael Jackson fans hold impromptu vigil in Hawaii.

  • Michael Jackson fans hold impromptu vigil in Hawaii.

  • Michael Jackson fans gather outside the Lyric Threatre in London, home of a tribute musical to the star.

  • A message outside the Lyrics theatre, London.

  • The O2 Arena in London on the day the world learnt of Michael Jackson's death. The venue was due to stage his 50-show pop comeback.

  • A fan looks at the Apollo Theatre's tribute to Michael Jackson in Los Angeles.

  • Fans in China hold a vigil for Michael Jackson

  • Fans in China hold a vigil for Michael Jackson.

  • Jesse Jackson outside the Jackson's family home in Encino.

  • The world's media wait outside the Los Angeles Coroner's Office for information about Michael Jackson's death.

  • Tributes outside Michael Jackson's home in Los Angeles

  • Tributes outside Michael Jackson's home in Los Angeles

  • Tributes outside Michael Jackson's home in Los Angeles

  • Tributes outside Michael Jackson's home in Los Angeles

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Photo: WENN.com