All About Simon Cowell's Son Eric

Mar. 15, 2025

Lauren Silverman, Eric Cowell and Simon Cowell arrives at the Red Carpet For “America’s Got Talent” Season 17.Photo:Steve Granitz/WireImage

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Simon Cowellmay have gained a reputation as a harsh critic during his tenure onAmerican Idol, but the birth of his son, Eric, hasdefinitely softened him— and he’s the first one to admit it.

“After I lost my parents, I genuinely felt … I would never feel that kind of love for anyone ever again. I thought that was it … until I saw the scan of him for the first time,” he said during an appearance onThe Kelly Clarkson Showin 2022.

“From that moment I saw the scan, I was like ‘That is it, I’m besotted.’ Now I just cannot imagine my life without him. He’s the most amazing thing that ever happened to me. I adore him,” he continued.

Cowell and hisnow-fiancée Lauren Silvermanwelcomed Eric in 2014. Since then, theAmerica’s Got Talentjudge has spoken openly about how much he loves his son and being a dad. The two even teamed up to write a children’s book series and share a love of soccer.

Here’s everything to know about Simon Cowell’s son, Eric Philip Cowell.

He was born on Valentine’s Day

Simon Cowell with Lauren Silverman and son Eric Cowell attend a VIP Preview of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland 2016.David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

Eric was born on Feb. 14, 2014. Simon was instantly in love with his son, saying that while he was nervous about the idea of being a father at first, it clicked right away.

He is named after his late grandfather

Shortly after his son’s arrival, Simon shared that henamed his child after his late father, Eric, whom he was very close with.

“What he is striving for is to build the same relationship [with his son] over the years,” Simon’s publicist Max Clifford told PEOPLE at the time. “It’s the whole family thing — he got a tremendous amount of comfort from the relationship he had with his mum and dad. They were very, very close.”

Clifford continued of Simon, “He wants to recreate the father-son relationship that he got when he was a little one from his dad."

He has a big brother named Adam

Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman, Eric Cowell and Adam Silverman on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

While Eric is Simon’s first child, Silverman has a teenage son, Adam, from her previous marriage. Adam and Eric have spent quality time together over the years, includinga 2023 Easter celebrationwith Simon, Silverman and Simon’s ex-girlfriend (and good friend) Terri Seymour and her family.

Simon has been open about expanding his family as well, admitting toThe Sunin April 2023, “Just two days ago, I was thinking, ‘It would be nice to have another.’ "

He also told the outlet, “Being a dad is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love every second I spend with him.”

He gave his father a new perspective on life and work

Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman and Eric Cowell at the ‘America’s Got Talent’ season 18 finale in 2023.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

“If Eric hadn’t come along, God knows what would have happened,” theAmerica’s Got Talentjudge toldThe Sun.“Before Eric,my life was 99 percent work. I was obsessed with it.”

Simon has also said that Eric gave him something to live for following his mother’s death in 2015.

“When I lost my mum,I was on a downward spiralat that point,” he said during an appearance onThe Diary Of A CEOpodcast in June 2024. “Without question, [Eric saved me]. I really, really had reached the point where nothing mattered.”

Later that same month, Simon toldHello!that “every decision I make now I am thinking about Eric.”

The father-son duo are working on a book series

Simon Cowell’s son, Eric Cowell.Simon Cowell Instagram

Simon Cowell Instagram

In 2020, Simon announced that he and Eric were hard at work on a new project: a seven-book series calledWishfitsbased on imaginary animals the pair had created, including a Dat (dog/cat) and a Peep (pig/sheep).

“To be able to write a series of books with my son Eric has been magical,” Simonwrote on Instagram.

He helped Simon “nearly quit” smoking

Speaking toExtrain 2022, Simon shared that his son was reallyon his case about giving up smoking.

“He is really strict,” Simon told the outlet. “If he catches me, it’s like being back in school. He’s the teacher.”

That close attention was paying off, as Simon explained he was close to kicking his smoking habit. “I have to sneak behind the hedges and I’m having my four puffs and I can see him following me around, but I said to him the other day, ‘Thanks to you, I’ve nearly quit.’ ”

He’s a red carpet pro

Lauren Silverman, Eric Cowell and Simon Cowell arrive at the Red Carpet For “America’s Got Talent” Season 17.Steve Granitz/WireImage

Simon and Silverman tend to keep their son out of the spotlight, but he has occasionally appeared on the red carpet to support his dad. In September 2022, heposed with his parentsat theAmerica’s Got Talentfinale in a blue polo shirt, jeans and Nike sneakers.

Eric has been coming to his father’s shows since he was young — and Simon told PEOPLE that he loves seeing his son get “excited” during the live tapings.

“He’s a great barometer,” Cowell said in September 2023. “I look over to look at him, ‘Is he having a good time?’ And he was having a really good time when he’s up on his seat, excited. [It] is the best thing, because with kids, it’s all unfiltered.”

Eric is already rubbing elbows with fellow celebrity kids, too. In April 2024, Simon told the U.K.‘sWomanmagazine thathe’s had a playdate with Bear— the son who singer and formerX Factorjudge Cheryl shares with ex Liam Payne.

“They get on well.” Simon said.

Amanda Edwards/Getty

Hemade another rare appearanceon red carpet at the taping of theAmerica’s Got Talentquarterfinals in September 2024, posing for photos with both of his parents.

He wants to audition forBritain’s Got Talentone day

Eric Cowell attends the ceremony honoring his father, Simon Cowell with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Michael Tran/FilmMagic

In August 2023, Simon revealed his son’s latest dream:playing drums in a rock bandand auditioning forBritain’s Got Talent.

“He’s now decided he’s going to audition forBritain’s Got Talent,” Simon toldEntertainment Tonight, adding, “I think he wants to be in a rock band. He loves Green Day.”

Simon joked, “That’s going to be total torture. I mean, of all the things I’ve ever done, this will probably be the hardest, because he does play drums. [He’s] going to drum and sing! I went, ‘Oh God, no.’ ”

However, a few weeks later, Simon told PEOPLE backstage atAmerica’s Got Talentthat he hopes Eric “never” auditions for the show. “He’s a good drummer,” he said of Eric’s talents. “He really is. Thank God it wasn’t violin, it was drums. And he’s really good. I mean, he’s in time. He’s in rhythm. I keep saying to him, ‘If you’re good, never come on the show.’ "

source: people.com