NBC Insider Exclusive

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!

Sign Up For Free to View
NBC Insider America's Got Talent

Why Simon Cowell Says His Son Is About to Cause Him "Total Torture"

Cowell says his 9-year-old son, Eric, wants to be a performer: "[He's] going to drum and sing! I went, 'Oh God, no.'"

By Jackie Manno

Simon Cowell has been judging Acts in the Got Talent universe for a decade-plus now, and it's caused his 9-year-old son, Eric, to catch the Audition bug. 

How to Watch

Watch the Season 19 premiere of America’s Got Talent Tuesday, May 28 at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Cowell revealed exciting plans that Eric potentially has for his future, and it involves being in the spotlight. 

"[He's] decided he's going to audition for Britain's Got Talent," Cowell told the outlet

As for Eric's Act of choice? Rock and roll! He plays the drums and sings and is a huge fan of Green Day, Cowell says.

As for Cowell's thoughts on this? "That's going to be total torture," he said jokingly. "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.'"

Simon Cowell appears in Season 1 Episode 1 of America's Got Talent All-Stars.

That said, Eric is apparently committed to his craft. "But he's really serious about it," Cowell added. "I don't know what it is. Maybe because all these kids are auditioning and now he wants to be up there with his friends...  I think, hopefully, he'll be sitting there in 10 or less years time." 

RELATED: Simon Cowell Just Shared Some Rare Pics With His Mini-Me Son, Eric

Simon Cowell opens up about becoming a father

Simon Cowell poses for an America's Got Talent portrait.

In a 2022 interview with The Sun, Cowell talked about how being a dad to Eric has changed his perspective on life. 

“If Eric hadn’t come along, God knows what would have happened,” he told the outlet. “I was really unhappy. But now Eric is around, I don’t work through the night anymore.”

RELATED: Simon Cowell Had a Part in Shrek 2 That You Totally Forgot About

“I’m a very different man to the one I was 10 years ago,” he added in a vulnerable moment.  “Eric changed everything, to be honest. After I lost my mum and my dad, you kind of think you’re never going to feel that love again — that’s it."