Madonna's 50th Birthday

Madonna's husband Guy Ritchie paid tribute to her at her 50th birthday celebrations on Saturday (16.08.08).

The director threw a lavish £100,000 party for 90 guests to celebrate his wife reaching the landmark age at the weekend and, in an emotional speech, spoke of his love and pride for the singer.

Guy - who has been dogged by rumours his marriage to the pop superstar is on the rocks - told partygoers at the Volstead nightclub in London: "She looks better now than she has ever done. I'm so proud. I love her so much."

Despite organising the party, Guy spent most of the day working as he hosted a private industry screening of his new movie 'RocknRolla'.

An insider commented: "It was as if he was trying to make a point by not being at her beck and call."

The 'Give It 2 Me' singer was moved to tears when her 11-year-old daughter Lourdes performed a surprise rendition of 'Never Alone' from the musical 'Fame' at the venue's grand piano.

Madonna was left disappointed after her closest friends - including Stella McCartney and Gwyneth Paltrow - failed to attend the party.

Female First