Simon Cowell is now the proud father of a baby boy–and he’s not a “Simon, Jr.” as some reports had previously stated. Eric Cowell was born on Valentine’s Day at 5:45 P.M. in New York City. He weighed in at a healthy 6 pounds and 7 ounces. He is named after Simon Cowell’s father.
“Lauren is doing great. Her parents are there, along with Simon of course,” PEOPLE magazine reports. “They are so excited. Everyone is thrilled. They couldn’t be happier. The baby is gorgeous.”
Fans were shocked to learn back in July that Simon Cowell and one of his best friend’s wives–Lauren Silverman–were expecting a baby together. Lauren and Andrew Silverman finalized their divorce this past December. They have an 8-year-old son.
“It was kind of uncomfortable. You know, the situation. But these things happen and everything is kind of calm now and I’m happy,” Simon Cowell told Ellen DeGeneres shortly after the news became public knowledge.
Even though Cowell knew Silverman was pregnant, he claims he first realized he was going to actually become a father when he first viewed his son on an ultrasound scan.
“You literally see this thing which is now alive moving around. I feel very paternal right now,” he said following the ultrasound.
SImon Cowell admits he has had to make lots of changes in his home in preparation for his son’s arrival.
“There are a lot of boring things that happen when you have a baby. [You have to get rid of] sharp edges, cigarettes, alcohol … then there’s [baby-proofing] the toilet. But I’ll have a smoking room!” he joked, right around the same time Lauren Silverman was being showered with baby gifts by friends and family members.
Simon was one very excited father when announcing the news of his son’s birth.
Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) February 15, 2014
He was also quick to thank friends and family members–and likely some fans, too–for their congratulations and well wishes, and to say that the mother of his child is doing well.
Lauren in great shape. Thanks for all of your kind messages.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) February 15, 2014
And following the announcement of his and Lauren Silverman’s choice of a name for their son, Simon Cowell tweeted the following.
Named after my dad
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) February 15, 2014
So far it seems like fatherhood is treating Simon Cowell well. It will certainly be interesting to see in the coming weeks and months how the former American Idol judge and current X-Factor U.K. judge takes his new role.
Image via YouTube