If you’ve watched even five minutes of America’s Got Talent over the last few years, you’ve probably noticed something weird. The "mean" Simon Cowell—the guy who used to make singers cry for sport—is basically gone. He’s been replaced by a guy who actually smiles, laughs, and occasionally gets up to dance. Most people blame age, but the real reason is usually sitting just a few feet away in the wings or right next to him at the judges' table.
We’re talking about the Simon Cowell’s son Eric AGT cameo phenomenon.
It’s not just a one-time thing anymore. Eric Cowell has gone from a toddler clutching a juice box backstage to a 11-year-old who looks like a "mini-me" version of his dad, complete with the same messy hair and (occasionally) the same blunt attitude toward bad acts.
The Evolution of the Cameo: From Backstage to the Buzzers
Honestly, it started out as a rare treat. Back in 2018 and 2019, Eric would pop up during the auditions just to say hi. There was that famous moment where he sat on Simon’s lap and told Howie Mandel he was "handsome," which, let’s be real, is the kind of lie only a kid can get away with.
But as Eric has grown up, his role on the show has shifted. He isn't just a guest; he's becoming a "barometer" for the talent. Simon has admitted in interviews that he constantly looks over at Eric during a performance to see his reaction. If Eric is bored, the act is probably in trouble. If Eric is jumping up and down, Simon’s more likely to give a "yes."
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That Recent Red Carpet Growth Spurt
In late 2024 and early 2025, the internet basically lost its mind over how tall Eric has gotten. During the Season 19 quarterfinals red carpet at Hotel Dena, Eric showed up with Simon and his mom, Lauren Silverman. He’s nearly up to Simon’s chin now.
It’s wild to see because most of us remember him as the little kid who once told Amanda Holden, "I am daddy’s job now."
Why the Eric Cowell Cameos Actually Matter for SEO and Fans
You might think these appearances are just cute family moments, but they’ve actually changed the "brand" of AGT. Before Eric, the show was often about the tension between the judges and the contestants. Now, it’s much more about the "family energy."
Here is what most people get wrong: they think Simon is just "softening" because he’s a dad. It’s deeper than that. Simon told The Diary of a CEO podcast that before Eric, he was a "ridiculous workaholic" whose life felt empty after his parents passed away. Eric "saved" him, in his own words.
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That shift in Simon’s mental health is why we see Eric appearing on camera more. It’s not just for ratings; it’s because Simon actually wants him there.
The "Drummer" Rumor
There’s been a lot of talk lately about Eric actually auditioning. Simon joked with Entertainment Tonight that Eric wants to be in a rock band—specifically, he’s obsessed with Green Day.
"He’s now decided he’s going to audition for Britain’s Got Talent," Simon said. "That’s going to be total torture... because he does play drums."
But while Simon jokes about the torture of judging his own kid, he’s also dead serious about one thing: Eric won’t get a free pass. He told Fox News Digital that if Eric wants to go into the family business, he has to "start at the bottom" as a runner, just like Simon did.
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What to Expect in Upcoming Seasons
As we move through 2026, expect the Simon Cowell’s son Eric AGT cameo frequency to increase. Simon has even hinted that his "dream" is for Eric to eventually take over the show one day. Whether that’s as a judge or behind the scenes as a producer, the groundwork is clearly being laid.
- More Judging Input: We’re seeing more "off-mic" comments from Eric being included in the final edits of the show.
- The "Audience" Golden Buzzer: Eric has already had a hand in some of the most emotional Golden Buzzer moments, often being the one to nudge his dad’s hand toward the button.
- Red Carpet Presence: He’s becoming a staple at the finales, often providing the most "real" interviews because, as Simon says, "with kids, it’s all unfiltered."
Practical Takeaways for AGT Fans
If you're looking for the best Eric moments, don't just watch the main broadcast. The best stuff is usually in the:
- YouTube "Behind the Scenes" clips: This is where you see Eric actually critiquing the acts with his dad.
- Simon’s Instagram: He rarely posts, but when he does, it’s usually a photo of Eric on the AGT set (like the one in August 2025 where Eric was wearing a show shirt and looking like a total pro).
- The "Judge Cuts" era: If you go back to Season 14, you can find the footage of Eric actually pressing the "X" button on an act.
The reality is that Eric Cowell isn't just a "celebrity kid" anymore. He's a part of the AGT ecosystem. He represents the "New Simon"—the one who realizes that at the end of the day, it's just a talent show, and having your kid there makes it a whole lot more fun.
To stay updated on the latest cameos, keep an eye on the live finale episodes where Eric is almost always seated in the front row or standing in the wings with Lauren. You can also follow the official AGT social media channels, which have started featuring "Eric’s Perspective" clips because they know exactly how much the fans love seeing the softer side of the world’s toughest judge.