More about: Michael Jackson
New figures show...
More Americans tuned in to watch Princess Diana's funeral than Michael Jackson's memorial service, new figures show.
Jackson's ceremony at the Staples Center attracted 31.3 million viewers, while 33.2 million watched as Diana was laid to rest in 1997.
The singer's tribute concert had been widely expected to attract more viewers than Diana's funeral.
But compared with more recent spectacles, the service, which was shown across a range of networks, still commanded a huge audience.
In May, 28.9 million watched the final of America Idol, while 38 million viewers watched as president Barack Obama was inaugurated in January.
Jackson's memorial service, which was attended by family, friends and fans, is thought to have attracted a total global audience of up to one billion.
Around six million viewers from the UK tuned in to see the spectacle after a number of channels cleared their prime time schedules to screen it.
Global internet traffic also increased by 33% during the ceremony.
Michael Jackson - The Final Goodbye
Michael Jackson's coffin is displayed at the Staples Center.
Michael Jackson's tribute at the Staples Center.
Mariah Carey covers 'I'll Be There' at Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center.
Reverend Al. Sharpton speaks about Michael Jackson at the Staples Center.
Reverend Al. Sharpton speaks about Michael Jackson at the Staples Center.
Michael Jackson's fans at the Staples Center.
Brooke Shields speaks about her memories of Michael Jackson at the Staples Center.
Brooke Shields speaks about her memories of Michael Jackson at the Staples Center.
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy speaks about her memories of Michael Jackson at the Staples Center.
Jennifer Hudson performs at the Staples Center.
Jennifer Hudson performs at the Staples Center.
Jennifer Hudson performs at the Staples Center.
Jennifer Hudson performs at the Staples Center.
John Meyer performs at the Staples Center.
John Meyer performs at the Staples Center.
Basketball players Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant talk about Michael Jackson at the Staples Center.
Jermaine Jackson consoles Berry Gordy at the Staples Center.
Bernice King and Martin Luther King III recall their thoughts about the King of Pop at the Staples Center.
Janet Jackson at the memorial service of her Brother Michael.
Jermaine Jackson performs a moving tribute to his brother, Michael, at the Staples Center.
Jermaine Jackson performs a moving tribute to his brother, Michael, at the Staples Center.
Jermaine Jackson performs a moving tribute to his brother, Michael, at the Staples Center.
Jermaine Jackson performs a moving tribute to his brother, Michael, at the Staples Center.
Jermaine Jackson performs a moving tribute to his brother, Michael, at the Staples Center.
Jermaine Jackson performs a moving tribute to his brother, Michael, at the Staples Center.
Lionel Ritchie performs at the Staples Center.
Stevie Wonder performs for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center.
Stevie Wonder performs for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center.
The scene outside the Staples Center during Michael Jackson's public memorial.
The scene outside the Staples Center during Michael Jackson's public memorial.
Michael Jackson's coffin takes center stage at the Staples Center.
The Jackson family pay tribute to Michael at the Staples Center.
The Jackson family pay tribute to Michael at the Staples Center.
A fan of Michael Jackson holds a single rose at his tribute ceremony at the Staples Center.
More about: Michael Jackson
Photo: WENN.com / Splash News
