This weekend Simon Cowell’s celebrity friends gathered for a surprise party to mark his 50th birthday. Simon’s friend Jackie St. Claire lured him to the secret bash by saying she was planning to celebrate her own birthday.

Guests included Amanda Holden, Piers Morgan, and Louis Walsh. At one point Dannii Minogue led the partygoers in singing “You’re So Vain,” and Simon laughed all the way through.

Simon became famous for his role as a talent judge on TV shows such as American Idol, The X Factor, and Britain’s Got Talent. He is known for his blunt criticisms and wise cracks about contestants’ abilities or lack thereof.

He won’t actually turn 50 until October 7, but he will be too busy in America to host his own party. Here’s wishing him many more years of critical acclaim (with an emphasis on the critical).