Today the King of Pop, Michael Jackson will be laid to rest, a golden casket containing the star’s body is currently on it’s way to the public memorial service with a private funeral service in Los Angeles to follow.

The singers body will be taken from the early-morning funeral service at The Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Cemetery, then the Jackson family and host of musical guests and around 11,000 fans will converge on Los Angeles’ Staples Center for the star-studded public tribute…

17,500 tickets have been dished out Willy Wonka ‘golden ticket’ style – 11,000 lucky fans for Staples Center and a further 6,500 for the viewing being held at the Nokia Theatre nearby.

Performers Mariah Carey and Jennifer Hudson are expected on stage, while Queen Latifah, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Brooke Shields, Usher, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Barry Gordy are among the confirmed A-listers in attendance.

And I’m told the biggest star of all IS expected… Jackson’s casket will be on display. However, insiders say despite the bold-faced names on the guest list, organizers have emphasized that the memorial will be a somber, respectful affair, and not an entertainment event.

Police have warned well wishers mourning the star’s death without tickets to stay away, but still around 50,000 people are expected to be in the downtown area of L.A. today.