Simon Cowell, the 65-year-old music mogul and famed judge on shows like "Britain's Got Talent" and "America's Got Talent," has opened a rare window into his life as a father. In a heartfelt interview with Jeff Brazier on ITV's This Morning, Cowell shared his profound love for his 11-year-old son, Eric, and revealed the anxieties that come with parenting in the digital age.
Eric, born in February 2014 to Cowell and his partner Lauren Silverman, has largely remained shielded from the public eye—until recently. Viewers of the 2024 series of Britain's Got Talent were treated to a touching moment when Eric pressed the coveted Golden Buzzer on his father’s show, a surprise appearance that delighted fans. Beyond his brief television cameo, Cowell has revealed that Eric is a keen drummer, albeit a shy one. "I walk and I hear him, and he stops," Cowell recounted. "I say, 'Why are you stopping?' and he says, 'Well, I’m a bit embarrassed.' I say, 'Well don’t be, you’re really good.'" It’s clear Eric’s musical talents are already blossoming, much to his father’s pride.
For Cowell, fatherhood has been transformative. "Honestly, everything. Out of everything I’ve ever done in my life, this is the best thing to ever happen to me," he said candidly. He recalled the early days with a tender fondness: "The very first time I saw his scan, I was literally obsessed." Yet, despite the joy Eric brings to his life, Cowell’s reflections also revealed the challenges and worries he faces as a parent navigating today’s complex world.
One of Cowell's chief concerns revolves around technology and its impact on children. He confessed a growing nervousness about the day Eric will get his first mobile phone, a milestone that looms large for many parents today. "I’m very worried about how much kids can see at a certain age," Cowell told Brazier. "I would be petrified of him having access to anything that would really worry me." This caution is rooted in Cowell’s own upbringing, where he learned things "at the right time, the right age." He has famously eschewed owning a personal mobile phone himself for nearly a decade and continues to closely supervise Eric's access to digital devices.
Beyond technology, Cowell also voiced his concerns about the pressures placed on children by the education system. He described a typical school day for kids as grueling—starting at 7 a.m., returning home late afternoon or evening, and then facing two hours of homework. "It’s like, they’re ten, eleven, twelve years old. It’s too much," he said. Cowell went so far as to suggest that teachers should consider banning homework altogether, arguing that it would lead to happier children who perform better academically.
Despite his famously tough persona as a judge, Cowell’s softer side shines through when discussing his hopes and values for Eric. Drawing on lessons from his own parents, he emphasized the importance of respect and simplicity. "My mum used to say, 'manners make the man,' and my dad was very good about respecting others," Cowell reflected. "I’m trying to do the same—be happy, find your path, and be respectful." These principles guide his parenting philosophy as he raises Eric in an increasingly complicated world.
Of course, Cowell’s legendary honesty extends to his parenting style. When asked what he would do if Eric wanted to pursue a career in entertainment, Cowell was clear that he would be brutally honest. "If Eric said to me, ‘I want to be a singer’ and he couldn’t sing, I would be absolutely honest with him," he said with a laugh. "If he couldn’t, I would say, ‘You know what, be a drummer.’" Thankfully, with Eric’s evident drumming skills, that conversation may not be necessary anytime soon.
Looking back on his journey as a father, Cowell shared touching moments of connection with his son. He recalled the early days when Eric was a baby, puzzled by the lack of response. "When he was a baby, because they don’t really do anything, I’m like, ‘Well why doesn’t he like me?’ and Lauren was going, ‘He’s a baby,’ and I didn’t understand that," Cowell said. "Then, at about a year and a half, we started to communicate, that was magic." This milestone marked the beginning of a deep and evolving bond between father and son.
Simon Cowell’s openness about his fears and hopes for Eric offers a fresh perspective on the man known worldwide for his sharp critiques and tough demeanor. It reveals a father deeply invested in protecting and nurturing his child while navigating the challenges of modern parenting. As Father’s Day approaches on June 15, 2025, Cowell’s reflections remind us that beneath the public persona lies a man who cherishes his family above all else.
