Over the past two years, Simon Cowell has been through two serious bike accidents, each bringing him intense challenges and lessons he never expected. Recently, Simon joined his America’s Got Talent (AGT) team—Howie Mandel, Terry Crews, and Heidi Klum—on the Today Show and opened up about these experiences.
The 64-year-old TV personality’s first accident happened in 2020 while he was riding his e-bike in Malibu. Then, in early 2022, he faced a similar accident in London. These back-to-back incidents shook him up. In a promo video for AGT’s 18th season, Simon reflected on how these accidents had changed him.
When asked, he admitted, “I wasn’t in great shape beforehand, so the accidents were a rude awakening.” These injuries forced him to confront just how much he had been neglecting his health.
“It was like a ‘god’ moment,” Simon said, explaining how these accidents forced him to take things slower and re-evaluate his lifestyle. But, despite the pain and the long recoveries, he made one thing clear: “I’m not giving up on my bike,” he declared with determination. His fellow judges couldn’t help but laugh, surprised at his strong love for cycling even after everything he’d been through.
Simon’s second accident wasn’t as severe as the first, but it still left him with a concussion and a broken arm. For months, he had to wear a wrist brace. The first accident had been far worse, though; he had broken his back and needed metal rods to support his spine.
Recovery was difficult and, even with all the challenges, Simon was determined to stay present and active in his nine-year-old son Eric’s life. These accidents made him realize just how much he wanted to be there for his family.
Throughout his recovery, Simon’s fiancée, Lauren Silverman, stood by him, supporting him every step of the way. In an interview with The Sun last April, Simon opened up about the emotional toll of his back injury.
“I was in such a dark place that, for the first time, I considered going to therapy,” he shared, revealing just how hard it was to cope with being physically limited. His heart ached to be active and playful with Eric, but he had to be patient with himself as he healed.
Simon and Lauren welcomed Eric into the world on Valentine’s Day in 2014, and his relationship with his son is something he holds very dear. With a chuckle, Simon shared a sweet memory from his recovery. After seeing the metal rods in his back, Eric came up with a new nickname for him:
“Dad, you look like Iron Man,” Eric said, his eyes wide with admiration. Simon couldn’t help but smile proudly and replied, “Yes, I really am like Iron Man.”
Despite everything, Simon hasn’t lost his sense of humor. During a 2021 AGT episode, Terry Crews asked Simon if he could picture himself doing stunts like a daring Shaolin Kung Fu act they had seen. With a laugh, Simon joked, “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 a lighthearted moment that reminded everyone that, even in tough times, Simon could still laugh at himself.
Simon’s journey is a story of resilience, strength, and humor. Although the accidents were painful and life-changing, he refuses to let them define him. He continues to find joy in life, his love of cycling, and his precious role as a father.
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