'50th B'day like any other celebration'

Pop diva Madonna reaches her half century today, but shows no signs of relinquishing her crown. The Material Girl singer also claims that her advancing years have done little to dampen her attitude to life.

Madonna reaches her half century today, but the queen of pop shows no signs of relinquishing her crown. The pop star is refusing to worry about her 50th birthday, insisting the landmark age is "not a bad word".

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The Material Girl singer celebrates the milestone today, but claims her advancing years have done little to dampen her attitude to life.

At a press conference on Thursday, to promote the upcoming release of her new album Hard Candy, Madonna was hounded by reporters wanting to know how she feels about turning 50. When a journalist mentioned '5-0' in hushed tones, she responded, "It's not a bad word, you can say it."

She also urged them not to view the age as a milestone, saying: "I see it as another excuse to have a birthday party. "(Physically) I feel stronger now than, maybe, 20 years ago - but I think your physicality is connected to your consciousness so if your mind is strong, your body will be strong."

The singer has the knack of constant reinvention, from cone corsets, her Sex book and kissing Britney Spears, to becoming a children's author and raising awareness about the devastating effects of HIV in Malawi.

According to Guinness World Records, Madonna is the most successful female solo artist, selling around 120 million albums and 40 million singles - a combined total more than any other female.