Simon Cowell is known for being the “mean judge” on television shows like American Idol, The X Factor, and America’s Got Talent. However, underneath that tough exterior, he is actually a big softy, and the way he acts around his young son Eric is proof of that!

Simon became a first time dad four years ago when his girlfriend Lauren Silverman gave birth to their son Eric.

Simon has tried to keep Eric out of the public eye, but in 2017, the little boy made his debut on the judge’s table of Britain’s Got Talent!

“He’s brilliant, he comes down to [America’s Got Talent] auditions and really enjoys the acts,” Simon said. “He’s very good to watch, funnily enough, because I can see when he’s bored and when he’s up dancing. He’s a good critic already. He’s unpaid, but he’s helping me!”

Simon will also sometimes share photos of Eric on social media.

“The older he gets, it’s quite interesting how we have similar tastes,” Simon said. “Either we like the same thing or we don’t like the same thing. But he loves the show, I mean he really does.”

Eric also likes to dress like his dad, as they both dress in plain t shirts, jeans, and brown shoes.

Simon said in a recent interview that he and Eric are “buddies” and do a lot of things together.

“Eric’s old enough now to be my buddy,” he said. “We talk to each other all the time. We’re friends and he’s fun to be around.”

Like any parent, Eric has some fears when it comes to his child.

“Knowing you will outlive your own child is everyone’s worst nightmare and I am more aware than ever that it can happen to anyone,” he said. “Now that I am a father I understand on a much deeper level how devastating it would be to hear the news that your child was unwell.”

Despite this fear, Simon is enjoying fatherhood.

“[Fatherhood is] much more fun than I thought it was going to be,” he said. “[Kids] adapt to your schedule quicker than people think, or at least I thought. For the first six months, I honestly [had the] most one-sided conversation I’ve ever had in my life. ‘I’m not getting anything back here. Maybe [my son] hates me.’ And then after about a year and a half, suddenly you get this connection and they start talking to you. And you can teach them things. It’s an amazing feeling.”

It’s so nice to see this other side of Simon!

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