More Americans tuned in to watch Princess Diana's funeral than Michael Jackson's memorial service, new figures show.
Jackson's ceremony at the Staples Center attracted 31.3 million viewers, while 33.2 million watched as Diana was laid to rest in 1997.
The singer's tribute concert had been widely expected to attract more viewers than Diana's funeral.
But compared with more recent spectacles, the service, which was shown across a range of networks, still commanded a huge audience.
In May, 28.9 million watched the final of America Idol, while 38 million viewers watched as president Barack Obama was inaugurated in January.
Jackson's memorial service, which was attended by family, friends and fans, is thought to have attracted a total global audience of up to one billion.
Around six million viewers from the UK tuned in to see the spectacle after a number of channels cleared their prime time schedules to screen it.
Global internet traffic also increased by 33% during the ceremony.
Michael Jackson - The Final Goodbye
You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Gigwise by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.
Pete Doherty claims Kate Moss smashed a guitar over his head
Cheryl Cole reveals 'A Million Lights' artwork, tracklisting
Beyonce pens tribute letter to Robin Gibb
Plan B reveals new single 'Lost My Way'
Tupac hologram creator to revive Elvis Presley next
Jackson 5 to tour with Michael Jackson hologram?
Two charged over Michael Jackson hack theft
The Enemy take 'Streets In The Sky' to Manchester
Who's tatt is that? Guess the rockstar from their body work
Rock classics ruined! The worst ever pop cover versions
- Michael Jackson doesn't compare to lady Diana
View 3 Replies
- This is just a comparison of television audience though, what about theatres and the internet lets add all those up and compare like for like then.
- People like Alex make me sick. These two were friends in life, they are together now. They both had their flaws, but they made great contributions to this world. Who cares which funeral was watched more. 1) They didn't even count all of the viewers watching MJ's like Jane said, and 2) it was the middle of a Tuesday for MJ. That takes away a lot of viewership, and it was still at least 1 billion. Let rest in peace for goodness sakes.
RIP MJJ - You are so right! You are the first person I've
seen that notes that MJ's funeral was daytime during the week. Princess Di's funeral was on a Saturday and there were more people available to watch it. I liked them both very much. I think it is quite amazing that MJ's funeral had as many TV viewers as he did.
» View all 7 comments~ by Alex 7/9/2009 Report
~ by Jane 7/11/2009 Report
~ by RIP MJJ 7/14/2009 Report
~ by dvikib 7/16/2009 Report