Having won a random draw comprising more than 1.6 million people, or by simply dishing out hard cash to scalpers, the lucky 8,750 are set to attend today's memorial service for deceased pop star Michael Jackson.

The somber memorial takes place just less than two weeks after Jackson died, and there are still numerous questions unanswered. Were drugs involved? Who will get all his belongings and custody of his children? But attention will likely shift today from those unknowns to the King of Pop's memorial service.

Authorities pleaded Friday for ticket scalpers not to try to cash in on the event, but dozens of advertisements selling tickets began to appear Sunday on the popular craigslist.org website, with most being swiftly flagged for removal. Tickets were also offered on online auction site ebay. com, with starting bids ranging from $200 to $500.

At the London arena where Michael Jackson was originally due to perform, Madonna, the "Queen of Pop," gave the "King" a royal tribute on the opening night of her concert, CBS reported Sunday.

US President Barrak Obama called Jackson a "spectacular performer" and "musical icon," and the performer enjoyed worldwide appeal for decades, including in China.

Online, many bloggers, fans and others, wrote diaries to express their condolences to the superstar and his intangible influence on their ideas of music and life.

According to a newly released Chinese survey on 500 global figures, Jackson received a high satisfaction rate of 98 percent.

Jackson's visit to Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, years ago also drew interest from both media and citizens.

Even on the hot TV talent program "Super Girl," some popular contestants have also performed songs to memorialize the beloved star.

Source: The Global Times/Agencies