Reuters - More than half a million fans from around the world applied for 17,500 free tickets to Michael Jackson's public memorial service next week, organizers said on Friday as a massive security operation got underway.

AFP - Madonna will perform a special tribute to Michael Jackson during her London show on Saturday, at the venue where he was due to stage his farewell shows, she said in a newspaper interview.

AP - The powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home, a law enforcement official said Friday as the city planned for a massive crowd at the singer's memorial service.

AP - Los Angeles city officials are preparing for massive crowds downtown during Tuesday's public memorial for Michael Jackson at Staples Center, even though only 17,500 tickets are being offered to the public.

AFP - Fans heading to Los Angeles for Michael Jackson's memorial extravaganza were urged to stay away on Friday as organizers said tickets for the event would be allocated by an online lottery.

Reuters - At the time of Michael Jackson's death last week, it was well-known that he was preparing for a 50-show concert series at London's O2 Arena later this month.

AFP - Fans preparing to descend on Los Angeles for next week's Michael Jackson memorial service were urged to watch the event via television Friday amid fears of huge crowds of mourners at the event.

AFP - Music star Cheb Mami was sentenced Friday to five years in jail for trying to make a former lover undergo a forced abortion, despite pleading for forgiveness at his trial near Paris.