Over the past two years, Simon Cowell has faced some life-changing challenges, surviving two serious bicycle accidents that pushed him to re-evaluate his life. Recently, he sat down with his fellow America’s Got Talent stars—Howie Mandel, Terry Crews, and Heidi Klum—on the Today Show to open up about these intense experiences.
The 64-year-old judge first encountered a major e-bike accident in Malibu in 2020, and then, just two years later, had another accident in London. During a promotional interview for America’s Got Talent’s 18th season, Simon was asked how these incidents had impacted him.
Looking back on the rough times, he admitted, “I wasn’t in great shape beforehand, so the accidents were a rude awakening.” These setbacks forced him to confront his health in ways he hadn’t before.
“It was like a ‘god’ moment,” Simon explained, describing how the accidents pushed him to slow down and take stock. He added, with a determined smile, “I’m not giving up on my bike.” His co-stars chuckled at his determination, fully aware of his passion for cycling.
His second accident wasn’t as severe as the first but still left him in the hospital, dealing with a concussion and a broken arm. His first accident, however, had been a terrifying experience: Simon suffered a broken back, needing metal rods to stabilize his spine. For months, he wore a wrist brace, enduring both pain and frustration.
But his biggest motivation to recover came from his nine-year-old son, Eric. “I wanted to be there for him,” Simon said firmly. This commitment led him to make serious lifestyle changes.
Simon’s fiancée, Lauren Silverman, was his rock throughout his journey to heal. In an interview with The Sun last April, he shared how emotionally draining his recovery was. “I was in such a dark place that, for the first time, I considered going to therapy,” he confessed. There were days when he struggled to play with Eric or even keep up with him, which weighed heavily on his heart.
His bond with Eric has always been special, and it only grew stronger through this difficult time. Eric, born on February 14, 2014, brought endless joy and strength to Simon’s life. With a smile, Simon recalled a moment of humor from his son, who, after seeing his dad with the metal rods in his back, nicknamed him “Iron Man.”
Laughing, Simon said, “He looked at me and said, ‘Dad, you look like Iron Man,’ and I just grinned and said, ‘Yes, I really am like Iron Man.’” It was these little moments that kept him going.
Simon’s wit and resilience shone through even during America’s Got Talent episodes. In one 2021 episode, Terry Crews teased him about trying some of the stunts, like the daring Shaolin Kung Fu act they were watching. Simon laughed, shaking his head, and replied, “After my back injury, just walking around the garden with Eric felt like a big feat.
Sometimes I even thought, ‘Maybe this isn’t the best idea.’” It was clear that he hadn’t lost his sense of humor, even after everything he had endured.
Through these painful and challenging experiences, Simon has shown remarkable strength and humor. The accidents may have slowed him down, but he remains unstoppable, finding joy in his life, his love for cycling, and, most importantly, his role as a father.
What do you think of Simon’s inspiring journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
