Madonna "Disappointed" by Friends' Birthday Snub

Madonna admitted she was "disappointed" that several of her close showbiz pals failed to attend her 50th birthday celebrations at the weekend.

The Material Girl, who turned 50 on Saturday, celebrated her big day at the swanky Volstead nightclub in London's Mayfair -- but noticeably absent at the $200,000 party were friends Gwyneth Paltrow and Stella McCartney.

So it was left to husband Guy Ritchie, 39, daughter Lourdes, 11, sons Rocco, eight, and David, two, around 50 of her dancers and some work colleagues to toast her half century.

In a 40-minute speech to her 90 guests, Madonna thanked Guy, her children and her Kabbalah religion, before admitting: "I'm really disappointed.

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"There are a lot of people who are not here tonight, but thanks to everyone who did make it.

"I can't believe I have reached half a century. It only happens once and this is an event I'm glad to be sharing with you."

After the guests sang a round of Happy Birthday, Lourdes left her mum teary-eyed by playing a song from Fame on the grand piano as a surprise.

And, Despite reports of marriage woes between Madonna and Ritchie, the movie-maker spared no expense on his wife's birthday celebrations. The buffet, on tables adorned with roses and candles, included kosher-prepared Wagyu beef, foie gras and caviar, all washed down with $900 bottles of Krug Rose champagne, martinis, "Crackbaby" cocktails and mojitos. Dominating the display was a three-tiered chocolate, raspberry and vanilla birthday cake covered in silver balls and crystallized rose petals.

Guy also made a speech, telling the birthday girl: "Out of all your years, you look your most beautiful."