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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • TV Personality

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell is an English television personality, record executive, entrepreneur, and producer known for judging talent competitions such as Pop Idol, American Idol, The X Factor, and Britain’s Got Talent.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Simon Cowell is an English television personality, record executive, entrepreneur, and producer, best known for his role as a judge on talent competitions such as Pop Idol, American Idol, The X Factor, and Britain’s Got Talent. Born on 7 October 1959 in Brighton, East Sussex, England, he has also been involved in music and television production through his company Syco.

Early life and career

Cowell was born in Brighton and became involved in the music and television industries before becoming a prominent talent-show judge.

Television work

He became internationally known for his sharp judging style on Pop Idol, American Idol, The X Factor, and Britain’s Got Talent. He left American Idol in May 2010 to work on a U.S. version of The X Factor.

Family life

Cowell and Lauren Silverman have a son named Eric, born on 14 February 2014. The couple announced their engagement in 2022 according to the provided sources.

Business interests

Cowell has been associated with Syco, an entertainment company connected to his work in music and television production.

Key facts

  • Simon Cowell was born on 7 October 1959 in Brighton, East Sussex, England.
  • He is widely known as a judge on Pop Idol, American Idol, The X Factor, and Britain’s Got Talent.
  • He left American Idol in May 2010 to work on a U.S. version of The X Factor.
  • He has one son, Eric, with Lauren Silverman, born on 14 February 2014.
  • Reported net-worth estimates place him at about US$600 million.
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Canadian context

Simon Cowell has been a major figure in internationally syndicated talent television, including formats broadcast in Canada through global entertainment networks and franchises.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Simon Cowell?
He was born on 7 October 1959, so he is 66 years old as of July 2026.
What happened to Simon Cowell?
The provided sources do not indicate a major public incident; they mainly note that he later softened his public persona and has continued working in television, with recent coverage mentioning personal changes over time.
Who is Simon Cowell's son?
His son is Eric Cowell, born on 14 February 2014, with Lauren Silverman.
What is Simon Cowell's net worth?
The supplied sources include a reported estimate of about US$600 million.
Is Simon Cowell married?
The provided sources describe him as engaged to Lauren Silverman, not married.
Why did Simon Cowell leave American Idol?
According to Britannica, he left American Idol in May 2010 to work on a U.S. version of The X Factor.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Cowell
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, occupations, and general career overview
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Simon-Cowell
    Supports: Birth date, biography, and reason for leaving American Idol
  3. Famous Birthdays — https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/simon-cowell.html
    Supports: Age, son Eric, and relationship information
  4. Heart — https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/simon-cowell-age-girlfriend-children-career/
    Supports: Age, engagement to Lauren Silverman, and child information
  5. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/simon-cowell
    Supports: Birth date and son Eric
  6. HELLO! — https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/860057/simon-cowell-turns-66-from-music-mogul-to-family-man/
    Supports: Eric's birth date and family context
  7. National Today — https://www.nationaltoday.com/birthday/simon-cowell/
    Supports: Age, engagement status, and reported net worth