A host of US stars have paid tribute to Madonna ahead of her 50th birthday on August 16.

Dreamgirls actress and singer Jennifer Hudson said she'd want her career to last as long as the Queen of Pop while teen star Dakota Fanning described her as "so gorgeous".

She said: "I got to meet her one time and she's so beautiful in person. I've never seen her in concert but I would love to, on her tour. But she's amazing and I hope that she goes for many, many more years."

Singer Cyndi Lauper, who also started her music career 25 years ago, said she was an inspiration.

"It's so inspiring to see her work and she's got some spunk," she said.

Finally, rapper Ludacris said Madonna's got it all together and Alicia Keys wished her "happiness and many, many blessings and love and joy in her life."

Source: ITN