Michael Jackson's daughter fought back tears to pay tribute to the “best father” imaginable last night as an estimated audience of billions tuned in to bid farewell to the King of Pop.

A host of the world's biggest stars gathered for a glittering memorial ceremony in Los Angeles to pay an emotional tribute to Jackson.

But it was two children who made the greatest impression of the night.

Jackson's 11-year-old daughter Paris Michael Katherine tearfully spoke in public for the first time.

And 12-year-old Welsh schoolboy Shaheen Jafargholi proved an instant hit, winning a standing ovation from the packed stadium, before Paris, whose face was often covered while Jackson was alive, said: “Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

Nelson Mandela and Diana Ross had led tributes to Jackson before his golden coffin — adorned with red flowers — was taken on stage at the Los Angeles Staple Center.

Praising Jackson for triumphing over tragedy in his life, Mr Mandela said in a message read out by Smokey Robinson: “Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry and we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide.”

Many in the audience were visibly upset at the sight of the coffin. Fans were seen breaking down in tears as the body was brought in and the Andrae Crouch Choir sang on stage.

Paris Jackson pays tribute to her father

The event, billed as the biggest celebrity send-off in history, ran far longer than scheduled after Mariah Carey opened proceedings with a rendition of the Jackson Five's ballad I'll Be There, alongside Trey Lorenz.

Usher, the RnB singer who identified Jackson as his greatest inspiration, caused a stir among the crowd by becoming the first artist to touch Jackson's coffin.

After breaking down in tears singing Gone Too Soon, he was embraced by Jackson family members as he was led away from the stage.

Before the packed Staples Center joined in several minutes' silence for the star, singer Smokey Robinson read out messages from Ross and Mr Mandela.

A message from Diana Ross said: “Michael wanted me to be there for his children and I will be there if they ever need me — I hope today brings closure for all those who loved him.

“I send my love and condolences to the Jackson family — Diana Ross.”

Former South Africa president Mr Mandela added: “We also mourn with his friends and his family for the loss of our dear friend (who) we will miss and memories of him cherish for a very long time.

“My wife and I, our family and friends, send you our condolences during this time. Be strong.”

Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, earned a roar of approval from the crowd when he said: “He is quite simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”

Actress Brooke Shields, who first met Jackson when she was 13, broke down in tears throughout the event.

Describing Jackson as “pure”, she said: “He was often referred to as the King but the Michael that I knew was always the little prince.

“Michael saw everything with his heart.”

She said Jackson's favourite song was Smile.

Referring to the lyrics “Smile though your hearts are aching”, she said: “Today, though our hearts are aching, we need to look up and we need to smile.”

After her emotional speech Jackson's older brother Jermaine sang Smile.

The brother, who was wearing

a white glove in tribute to Jackson, received a standing ovation as he left the stage.

Stevie Wonder later dedicated his songs Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer and They Won't Go When I Go to Jackson.

Before launching into the first ballad, an emotional Wonder said: “This is a moment I wished I had never seen come.”

Commenting on Wonder's performance, Trevor Nelson told viewers on the BBC: “Easily my favourite performance of the evening.”

After actress Jennifer Hudson, whose own life was hit by tragedy, sang Jackson's hit You're Always In My Heart, the Rev Al Sharpton suggested Jackson laid the foundations for a black man to become President of the United States.

The civil rights activist said: “It was Michael Jackson that brought blacks, whites and Asians together. Thank you Michael, thank you Michael, thank you Michael.”

He added that he thought Jackson was not “strange” but what had happened to him was.

Before Lionel Richie appeared on stage to sing Jesus Is Love, Queen Latifah took to the platform to speak of the worldwide sadness over the pop legend's death.

“In Birmingham, Alabama, and Birmingham, England, we are missing Michael Jackson,” she said.

Family members had held a private funeral service earlier at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Police blocked off roads and warned those without tickets to stay away because they would not be able to get close to the centre as an invasion of British fans arrived in California.

As many as 700,000 people are believed to have tried to reach the arena.