Despite an “adoption party” held last night, a judge denied Madonna’s adoption request this morning. Madonna felt confident she would be allowed to formally adopt a four year old orphan named Mercy James, but a residency requirement halted her plans.

The residency requirement for prospective parents is 18 to 24 months in Malawi. Madonna has homes in New York and London.

Madonna, 50, adopted her son, David Banda, now 3, from Malawi in 2008. The move was not without its controversy, amid claims that her application received special status because of her celebrity.

At the hearing, the judge said child welfare officers are required to find suitable prospective parents and “not someone who just flies in and out.” In terms of the child, “I think the welfare of Chifundo [African for 'Mercy'] will be better served if she grows within the environment of the culture of Malawi,” she said.

The judge also said that because Madonna is already assisting other orphans, Chifundo will still benefit from star’s generosity.

Madonna’s attorney, Alan Chinula, broke the bad news to the singer at Kumbali Lodge, where she is currently staying with her three children. A witness claimed “an incredulous Madonna kept wringing her hands.”

The ruling came as a shock to Madonna, who was previously assured by Chinula that “no Malawian laws stand in the way of the adoption.” Yesterday, photographers snapped the family walking together through an African orphanage. Mercy was shown holding hands with Madonna’s oldest daughter, Lourdes.

No word yet if Madonna has plans to appeal the decision.

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