Simon Cowell has revealed his ultimate ambition is for his 11-year-old son, Eric, to eventually take the reins at “America’s Got Talent”, the hugely popular reality talent show that Cowell launched 20 years ago. The British television mogul, now 65, is marking two decades since the show’s inception, and in an interview with People magazine, he discussed both its enduring success and his hopes for keeping the AGT legacy within his family.
Cowell, who shares his son Eric with partner Lauren Silverman, reflected on the remarkable staying power of “America’s Got Talent”, now a mainstay of international entertainment. He confessed to often pondering the future of the format, speculating on what the next 20 years might hold for the show. “I’m looking ahead to where ‘America’s Got Talent’ will go from here. The show’s open entry means it could last for many years. Whether led by me or my son, Eric, I can imagine us talking about its 40th anniversary someday,” Cowell stated.
Although Cowell has not formally discussed with Eric the prospect of him stepping into his shoes, he confessed to having given “hints” about a possible future behind the scenes. The TV supremo shared, “While we haven’t had a direct conversation, I have dropped some hints. Luckily, Eric enjoys these types of shows, which is a promising sign. I actually think he would shine as a producer.”
Despite his encouragement, Cowell is less convinced that Eric would want to embrace the more public-facing role of show judge. “I don’t think he’d be entirely comfortable on camera—at least not right now. That could change in the future, of course. But producing is something I would absolutely support; that would honestly be my dream come true,” he added.
Yet Cowell is in no rush to pass the torch just yet. The television veteran remains energised by the programme’s evolution, stating that the sheer quality of acts continues to inspire him to keep going. “The standard of talent has improved every year since we started. If I felt the show had run its course, I’d happily bow out and thank everyone involved. But every time a season ends, I find myself impatient to see what the next wave of performers will bring. That excitement is what keeps me going,” he admitted.
Cowell also reflected on the changes fatherhood has brought to his personal and professional life. He described how having Eric has shifted his perspective, remarking, “You come to realise there are things more important than your job. It might sound clichéd, but it’s true. I wouldn’t complain if things were different, but life would feel much emptier without Eric. Becoming a dad has altered me fundamentally—without a doubt.”
He went on to explain how his experience as a parent has informed his judging on “America’s Got Talent”. “As Eric has grown, I’ve caught myself viewing the acts through his eyes, asking whether he and his friends would find a particular performance exciting or fun. When Eric and his mates come to the show and have a brilliant time, that really means something to me,” Cowell revealed.
Reflecting on the impact of “America’s Got Talent” over its 20-year journey, Cowell believes that its enduring appeal lies in its ability to surprise and delight audiences of all ages, making it a rare fixture on the television landscape. He credits the ever-improving calibre of performers and the universal accessibility of the show’s format for its sustained success.
As the show continues to go from strength to strength, Cowell remains both a guiding force and a dedicated father. While the future remains unwritten, he is clearly determined to foster both the show and his son’s potential—hoping that one day, Eric Cowell might be the one shaping the direction of TV’s biggest talent showcase.