Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

Simon Cowell has stated that if his son, Eric, decides to pursue a career in the entertainment industry similar to his own, he will have to start from the lowest level, just as he did.

Simon Cowell, the renowned judge on "America's Got Talent," has emphasized to Fox News Digital that if his son, Eric, aspires to embark on a similar career path, he must initiate his journey from the foundation, mirroring his own trajectory in the industry.

"Twenty years ago, I would have asserted that I did not envision having children as I believed I was advanced in age," Cowell confided in Hello magazine. "Hence, when I received the news that I would become a father, especially upon witnessing his sonogram for the first time, I became utterly engrossed. Something shifted within me, causing me to perceive life through an altogether distinct lens."

Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

Cowell elaborated, "Every decision I render henceforth revolves around Eric's well-being. Is this the most beneficial choice for him?"

Cowell garnered fame as the unyielding "mean" adjudicator on "American Idol" when the singing competition debuted in 2002. Exhibiting blunt critiques and frequently harsh witticisms, Cowell remained with the show for eight years before transitioning to an equally formidable role as a judge on "The X Factor" and ultimately "America's Got Talent."

Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

While maintaining his discerning approach as a judge, Cowell conceded that fatherhood has instilled within him a newfound sensitivity. Initially, Cowell harbored apprehensions as a new parent. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight in 2016, Cowell voiced his uncertainty, stating, "During the first eight or nine months, I harbored doubts as to whether he truly cherished me."

He further noted, "He possesses a certain resemblance to my younger self, exhibiting an astuteness in manipulating situations to his advantage. As such, I recently inquired of him, 'What does daddy do for a living?' His response was, 'You press buttons.'"

Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

Indeed, "pressing buttons" aptly encapsulates Cowell's on-screen persona in the past. However, the renowned producer has consistently clarified that his demeanor off-camera is vastly different.

In an interview with People magazine when his son was approximately two years old, Cowell remarked, "I believe that 'X Factor' and 'Idol' were meticulously edited to portray me as perpetually ill-tempered and miserable, which, admittedly, I can be at times. However, that is not my constant state of being."

Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

Cowell continued, "Conversely, on 'AGT,' there is an abundance of heartwarming moments, and they prioritize showcasing those over my acerbic critiques, as they recognize that the individuals auditioning for 'AGT' are driven by passion rather than external pressure. We would not witness their participation otherwise."

Mike Darnell, a Fox executive who collaborated with Cowell on "American Idol" and "X Factor," corroborated Cowell's evolution in an interview with Deadline in 2022, stating that Cowell had "mastered the character" presented on television.

Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

"I recognized the necessity of securing Simon Cowell, as he was the show's centerpiece," Darnell explained, alluding to Cowell's appearance on "Pop Idol," the U.K. precursor to "American Idol." "However, we required a distinct approach in the U.S."

Darnell elaborated, "The role of the harsh and candid judge. In all the preceding shows, the judges were uniformly polite and amiable. I was convinced that this would become [Cowell's] signature trait. Simon, to his credit, embraced this wholeheartedly."

Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

Darnell added that "beneath the surface, he is a different character," saying, "Observe 'Britain's Got Talent' or 'America's Got Talent' today, and you will witness a far more subdued version."

In 2018, Cowell shared with the Daily Mail how fatherhood had transformed him, even influencing his decision-making process while judging on "Britain's Got Talent." At the time, he had just bestowed a Golden Buzzer on a father and son singing duo.

Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

"As I observed this young performer, I couldn't help but draw parallels to Eric," Cowell reflected. "Not myself as the father, but Eric as the child."

"Individuals have inquired about whether I have undergone a transformation since becoming a father, and the answer is undoubtedly affirmative. You cannot help but be affected by such an experience," Cowell asserted.

Simon Cowell's Son to Start from the Bottom if He Follows in His Father's Footsteps

He further stated, "In a profoundly positive manner, you begin to perceive the world through your child's