Simon Cowell Marks 50th Birthday

(CBS)  This story was filed by CBSNews.com's London-based entertainment contributor Neil Sean.

When Simon Cowell, the "American Idol" judge and high-profile TV and music producer, celebrates his 50th birthday, you can expect it to be a grand party.

Though his birthday isn't until Oct . 7, Cowell partied on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a bash at Wrotham Park, just outside London, for 385 of his closest friends. The guest list, reading like a who's who of the coolest people in the world of show business, included models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, reality TV show winner Alexandra Burke, composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber, singer and actress Olivia Newton-John and chef Gordon Ramsay.

Also on hand were a bevy of ex-girlfriends, his "American Idol" colleagues Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Paula Abdul and his "America's Got Talent" colleagues Sharon Osbourne, David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan.

Other stars, like Jennifer Aniston, Nick Cannon and his wife Mariah Carey, Elton John and Jennifer Lopez, sent video birthday greetings that were played in the party area of the event.

Single again after years of dating model and TV presenter Terri Seymour, Cowell took his mother as his date and seated her at the head of the table.

After Leona Lewis sang a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday," Cowell gave a speech, singling out his mother Julia and pop producer Pete Waterman. Cowell said he had "no greater friend than Pete and I owe him so much."

Earth Wind & Fire provided the music, and guests were dancing well past the scheduled 3:30 a.m. ending time.

"You know, Simon is not a fan of parties at all," said his ex-partner, the singer Sinnita. "No, really he hates them."

In that case, he will probably understand why Scottish singer Susan Boyle, the international sensation on "Britain's Got Talent," was invited but chose not to attend. Said a source: "Let's not forget that Susan has come from a small village background. Attending an event like this would shake anyone's foundation."

By NEIL SEAN