Stars pay tribute to Michael Jackson

Chart-toppers, soul singers and three generations of Michael Jackson's family -- including his children -- celebrated the King of Pop at an energetic tribute concert in Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, urging fans to focus on the late star's music rather than his death.

The run-up to the "Michael Forever" concert was overshadowed by the manslaughter trial of Jackson's doctor, and marred by fan criticism, sluggish ticket sales and dissension in the Jackson family, The Associated Press reports. But once the four-hour show started, Jackson's musical genius and the warm tributes of friends and family carried the night.

"We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father," said Jackson's daughter Paris, 13, who made a brief onstage appearance alongside brothers Prince, 14, and Michael Joseph Jr., 9, known as Blanket.

On a stage shaped like a giant glove, musicians including Christina Aguilera, Gladys Knight and Cee Lo Green performed songs from across Jackson's career. The Black Eyed Peas pulled out of the lineup this week, citing "unavoidable circumstances."

Participants urged fans to ignore the criticism and controversy, and to revel in the celebration of Jackson's musical legacy.

The 50,000 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium did just that, roaring as Jackson's brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie took the stage to perform "Blame It On the Boogie" with British boy band JLS.