![\"Simon](\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/RPJTEKOWIFrNZC--kd8aGJyckgw=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1019x599:1021x601):format(webp)\/simon-cowell-lauren-silverman-1-35c9aeb3bb96412886c3e19f30c6fe70.jpg\")
<\/div>\nSimon Cowell is officially an engaged man!<\/p>\n
The America’s Got Talent<\/em> judge proposed to his longtime partner, Lauren Silverman, in December 2021, and the couple is now in the process of planning their wedding.<\/p>\n Cowell and Silverman first met in 2004 during a vacation in Barbados, although at the time, Silverman was married to businessman Andrew Silverman. Over the years, the two began seeing each other in secret, and by July 2013, PEOPLE confirmed that they were expecting a child together, while Silverman had filed for divorce.<\/p>\n Meeting Silverman marked a significant turning point for the British television personality. Before their relationship, Cowell had publicly expressed uncertainty about ever wanting to marry or have children.<\/p>\n However, after welcoming their son, Eric, in 2014, Cowell admitted that fatherhood had become an incredibly fulfilling experience.<\/p>\n “From the moment I saw the scan, I was like \u2018That is it, I\u2019m besotted.\u2019 Now I just cannot imagine my life without him,” Cowell shared in an interview with Kelly Clarkson. “He\u2019s the most amazing thing that ever happened to me. I adore him.”<\/p>\n From the arrival of their son to their beachside engagement in Barbados, here’s everything to know about Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman\u2019s relationship.<\/p>\n Early 2004: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman meet in Barbados.<\/strong><\/p>\n Chris Jackson\/Getty<\/p>\n Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman first crossed paths in 2004 while in Barbados. At the time, Silverman, an entrepreneur and socialite, was on vacation with her then-husband, with whom she shares a son.<\/p>\n Cowell and Silverman maintained a friendly relationship for several years as Cowell continued to date other women. From 2002 to 2008, he was in a relationship with entertainment journalist Terri Seymour, and he was later engaged to makeup artist Mezghan Hussainy from 2010 to 2011.<\/p>\n May 2012: Rumors Surface About Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman\u2019s Affair<\/strong><\/p>\n In May 2012, rumors began to swirl that Cowell and Silverman were involved in a romantic relationship. Cowell’s lawyer initially denied the rumors, stating in a statement, “Any implication or statement that my client is engaged in adultery and has allegedly broken up the marriage of Ms. Silverman is not only false but reckless.”<\/p>\n July 2013: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Expecting a Baby Together.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Alan Chapman\/FilmMagic<\/p>\n In 2013, multiple sources confirmed to PEOPLE<\/em> that Lauren Silverman was expecting a child with Simon Cowell. It was also reported that Silverman and her husband, Andrew, had filed for divorce. When asked for comment, Cowell’s U.K. representative stated, “This is a very sensitive issue and all media inquiries are being handled by his U.S. attorney.”<\/p>\n A source close to the couple shared that Silverman had been “unhappy in her marriage” for some time and was “ecstatic to be with Simon.” The source added that they had been seeing each other for several months before the news broke.<\/p>\n After the pregnancy announcement, Silverman\u2019s estranged husband issued a statement, saying, “My top priority is protecting my 7-year-old son while working to resolve all outstanding issues with my wife,” and adding, “Hopefully, people can respect the interests of our child during this process.”<\/p>\n Silverman also released a separate statement, expressing her commitment to resolving matters amicably with Andrew for the sake of their son. She requested privacy, saying, “I would hope for some space and privacy in order to work through this.”<\/p>\n August 21, 2013: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Vacation in France<\/strong><\/p>\n After Silverman\u2019s divorce was finalized, she and Cowell took a vacation in the South of France. A source close to Cowell told PEOPLE<\/em>, “He is very pleased that her divorce is finalized, and he is excited about spending time with Lauren. He wants to make sure that she and the baby are doing okay. He is getting more and more excited about the baby.”<\/p>\n The couple was spotted strolling hand-in-hand along the beach as Silverman proudly displayed her baby bump.<\/p>\n February 14, 2014: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Welcome Their Son<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Bruce Glikas\/FilmMagic<\/p>\n Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman welcomed their son, Eric Philip Cowell, on February 14, 2014. The baby was named after Cowell\u2019s late father.<\/p>\n March 5, 2014: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Discuss Expanding Their Family<\/strong><\/p>\n In March 2014, Cowell spoke with Extra<\/em> about fatherhood and revealed that he and Silverman were already thinking about having more children. “I had a brother when I was younger, so I think it\u2019s kind of cool to have two. Well, two or three,” he said.<\/p>\n Cowell admitted he was initially nervous about becoming a father but his fears melted away once Eric was born. “I actually said to Lauren beforehand, \u2018What if I like the dogs more than him?\u2019 and she said, \u2018You\u2019re gonna be absolutely fine,\u2019” he recalled. “And then literally within seconds of him being born, I got it! I was born to be a dad.”<\/p>\n June 2, 2014: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Make Their First Public Appearance Since Welcoming Their Son<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Dave J Hogan\/Getty<\/p>\n Four months after the birth of their son Eric, Cowell and Silverman attended the Health Lottery Tea Party at The Savoy in London. The couple, dressed in coordinated shades of white, smiled for the cameras. This event marked their first public appearance as parents.<\/p>\n February 24, 2015: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Attend the ELLE Style Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Mike Marsland\/WireImage<\/p>\n In February 2015, Cowell was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Entertainment Award at the ELLE Style Awards. Silverman stood by his side to show her support, and the pair smiled for photos on the red carpet.<\/p>\n December 2015: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Vacation in Barbados<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cowell-Silverman family spent the 2015 holidays in Barbados. The couple enjoyed jet skiing together, and Cowell posed for pictures with fans.<\/p>\n February 24, 2016: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman Make Their Instagram Debut<\/strong><\/p>\n On February 24, 2016, Cowell shared an Instagram photo of himself and Silverman holding hands at the 2016 BRIT Awards. The post marked one of the rare times Silverman made an appearance on Cowell\u2019s account, as they typically keep their relationship private.<\/p>\n June 2, 2016: Simon Cowell Opens Up About Family Life with Lauren Silverman<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n David M. Benett\/Dave Benett\/Getty<\/p>\n Two years after their son\u2019s birth, Cowell spoke with PEOPLE<\/em> about his family and how fatherhood has influenced his role as a judge on America\u2019s Got Talent<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cLauren is great,\u201d Cowell said, acknowledging that becoming a father has “softened” him a bit as a judge on the NBC competition. \u201cHaving a child definitely changes your perspective because you understand how you\u2019d feel if it was your son up there,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n He also shared that his son is \u201cexactly like me when I was younger,\u201d adding, \u201cHe\u2019s so cheeky, and he knows exactly how to get me wrapped around his little finger.\u201d<\/p>\n August 22, 2018: Simon Cowell expresses gratitude to Lauren Silverman at Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Axelle\/Bauer-Griffin\/FilmMagic<\/p>\n In August 2018, Cowell was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was accompanied by Silverman, their son Eric, and Silverman\u2019s older son Adam. The family posed for photos, and during his speech, Cowell gave Silverman a heartfelt acknowledgment.<\/p>\n \u201cLauren, you\u2019ve been my rock for the past few years, putting up with everything I\u2019ve gone through,\u201d he said. \u201cI was also thinking today about who would have gotten the biggest kick out of this\u2014my mom and dad. They\u2019re not here, but I feel like they\u2019re looking down, and I can now look over at my son Eric and say, \u2018Maybe one day you\u2019ll get one of these too.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n October 29, 2018: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman attend the Pride of Britain Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Cowell and Silverman enjoyed a date night at the 2018 Pride of Britain Awards in London. The couple dressed up for the event, smiling as they walked the red carpet and posed for photos together.<\/p>\n August 8, 2020: Lauren Silverman helps Simon Cowell recover after bike accident<\/strong><\/p>\n In August 2020, Cowell was hospitalized after falling off his electric bike near his and Silverman\u2019s home in Malibu, California. He broke his back in three places and had to undergo a five-hour surgery to repair his spine.<\/p>\n Cowell spoke about the experience and recovery process in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. \u201cI was so embarrassed about coming home looking about 100 [years old] because I couldn\u2019t walk, and I have these metal rods in my back and these screws,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI said, \u2018Lauren, I just don\u2019t know how to explain it to [Eric],\u2019\u201d he continued. \u201cShe obviously said something to him because he came in \u2026 and I was lying in bed, and he said, \u2018Daddy, you\u2019re like Iron Man,\u2019 and I thought that was the sweetest thing and it meant a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n May 26, 2021: Simon Cowell says having a kid with Lauren Silverman brought out his softer side<\/strong><\/p>\n During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show<\/em>, Cowell discussed parenthood as well as the seven-book children\u2019s series he had begun writing with his son.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been brilliant,\u201d Cowell said of the book series, titled Wishfits<\/em>. \u201cI never thought I would do something like this.\u201d<\/p>\n Clarkson then commented that he seemed like a \u201cdifferent dude\u201d since becoming a dad, adding that she thought his \u201cvulnerable side\u201d had come out.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe,\u201d Cowell responded. \u201cAfter I lost my parents, I genuinely felt, Kelly, I would never feel that kind of love for anyone ever again. I thought that was it\u2026 until I saw the scan of [Eric] for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n December 24, 2021: Simon Cowell proposes to Lauren Silverman<\/strong><\/p>\n Ricky Vigil M\/GC Images<\/strong><\/p>\n After nearly a decade of dating, Cowell proposed to Silverman on Christmas Eve while on a family vacation in Barbados \u2014 where the couple first met.<\/p>\n A source told PEOPLE<\/em> that Cowell surprised Silverman during a beach walk, dropping down to one knee and popping the question. Their son Eric and Silverman\u2019s older son Adam were also present.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are both super happy,\u201d the source said of the newly engaged couple. \u201cThey\u2019ve been together a long time now and adore each other, so it\u2019s not a huge surprise to their close friends.\u201d<\/p>\n Another source told PEOPLE<\/em> that Cowell and Silverman were meant to be together, calling the pair \u201csoulmates.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey have fun together, as well as being each other\u2019s rock,\u201d the insider added. \u201cThey are both passionate about one another, but really do bring out the very best in each other. As a family, they all have such an incredible bond.\u201d<\/p>\n Cowell\u2019s brother, Tony Cowell, shared similar sentiments, telling PEOPLE<\/em>, \u201cSince having his son, Eric, with Lauren, Simon has completely changed his life and, for the first time, he appears to be happy and content.\u201d He added that their late mother would have been \u201coverjoyed\u201d by the engagement news. \u201cShe always wanted him to settle down with a family. I picture her looking down and saying, \u2018And about time, Simon!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n April 8, 2022: Simon Cowell discusses wedding planning and his engagement to Lauren Silverman<\/strong><\/p>\n A few months later, Cowell spoke about his and Silverman\u2019s pending nuptials during an interview with The Sun<\/em>, revealing that he was taking the lead on the wedding planning. \u201cI am planning it all, otherwise I know what will happen \u2014 there will be 600 people and it\u2019ll get out of control, like my 50th birthday party,\u201d Cowell shared. \u201cNo one knows when it\u2019s going to be \u2014 that\u2019ll be a surprise, even for Lauren.\u201d<\/p>\n He added, \u201cI don\u2019t want to have one of these ghastly wedding planners and all the arguments that happen, and who you do invite and who you don\u2019t invite. The whole thing just seems like too much hassle.\u201d<\/p>\n He also told the outlet that his son, Eric, was one of the reasons why he decided to get down on one knee.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve kind of felt myself engaged for a long time, if I\u2019m really being honest,\u201d he said. \u201cLockdown and COVID were probably make or break for many relationships. We were in the same house for over a year and I thought, \u2018Well, actually, we get on really, really well.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n He continued, \u201cAnd for Eric, as he gets older, he will be asked more and more about his parents, and I thought it was the right thing to do for him.\u201d<\/p>\n September 14, 2022: Simon Cowell, Lauren Silverman, and son Eric attend America\u2019s Got Talent<\/em> season 17 finale<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n David Livingston\/Getty<\/strong><\/p>\n Cowell was joined by his fianc\u00e9e and their son at the season 17 finale of America’s Got Talent<\/em>. The family of three walked the red carpet together and posed for photos.<\/p>\n February 5, 2023: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman visit the Chelsea FC soccer club<\/strong><\/p>\n Cowell shared photos on Instagram of him, Silverman, and their son Eric visiting the Chelsea FC soccer club.<\/p>\n One picture showed the family of three posing with the team\u2019s lion mascots, while in other snaps, Eric was seen meeting soccer star Mason Mount.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had the best time at @chelseafc, @masonmount you are such a nice person. Thank you!\u201d Cowell captioned the post.<\/p>\n April 4, 2023: Simon Cowell says planning his wedding to Lauren Silverman has been \u201ceasy\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Silverman and Cowell aren\u2019t stressed about their upcoming nuptials. While talking to PEOPLE<\/em>, the America’s Got Talent<\/em> judge simply said that wedding planning has been \u201ceasy\u201d for the couple.<\/p>\n Cowell added: \u201cIt depends on how big or small you make it. Don\u2019t forget, we\u2019ve known each other a long time, so trust me, this is not gonna be a thousand people turning up or whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman first crossed paths in 2004 and have a son together. Simon Cowell is officially an engaged man! The America’s Got Talent judge… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14569,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/TuakHJ2M6nfixisrshllG9rpOm4=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2):format(webp)\/simon-cowell-lauren-silverman-6-06837ffed41e452d98847ed56c511896.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>![\"Simon](\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/CYhADS6E5pQqZ5ndKywGNzvGKZ8=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2):format(webp)\/simon-cowell-lauren-silverman-2-bd123df6f2e24892ae7a80efbc07d680.jpg\")
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<\/div>\n<\/div>![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/people.com\/thmb\/y96YzMDWwo2pYqb-gZ3jo2bJlo0=\/4000x0\/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2):format(webp)\/simon-cowell-lauren-silverman-4-0b865babb9d141759e9d2908dbf15573.jpg\")
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