Its been a rough few years for Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell has endured two serious bicycle accidents over the past two years, both of which resulted in significant health challenges. Recently, Cowell spoke openly about these incidents during an appearance on the Today Show, where he was joined by fellow America’s Got Talent judges Heidi Klum, Terry Crews, and Howie Mandel.
In 2020, the 64-year-old TV mogul had his first accident while riding an e-bike in Malibu. In early 2022, he experienced another accident while cycling in London. When asked how these accidents impacted his outlook on life, Cowell reflected, “They were far from great—actually quite terrible—especially because I wasn’t in the best shape before either incident.” During his recovery, he realized just how out of shape he had been. Yet, despite the setbacks, Simon expressed that the experiences were eye-opening, calling them a “true ‘god’ moment.” He maintained his love for cycling, humorously adding, “I’m not giving up on my bike,” drawing laughs from his co-judges, as he praised the joys of riding.
The second accident left Simon with a broken arm and a concussion, requiring him to wear a wrist brace for several months. However, it wasn’t as severe as his first accident, which resulted in a broken back, metal rods, and screws inserted into his spine. These events led Simon to make significant lifestyle changes, motivated in part by his desire to be more present for his nine-year-old son, Eric. His fiancée, Lauren Silverman, also provided critical support during his recovery.
In an April interview with The Sun, Simon opened up about the mental and physical struggles he faced after his back injury. “It was a dark time,” he admitted, adding that, for the first time in his life, he considered seeking therapy. The injury had limited his ability to spend time with Eric, which deeply affected him. However, his relationship with Lauren and Eric played a crucial role in his recovery. Simon fondly recalled a moment when Eric, comparing him to the superhero, said, “Dad, you look like Iron Man,” due to the metal rods in his back. Simon, smiling, replied, “Yes, I am like Iron Man.”
Despite the hardships, Simon has managed to retain his trademark sense of humor. In June 2021, on an AGT episode, when Terry Crews asked if Simon could ever see himself attempting dangerous stunts like those performed by a Shaolin Kung Fu act, Simon joked, “After my back injury, just walking around the garden with Eric felt like a major accomplishment.” His resilience and wit have remained intact throughout his journey.
Simon’s story is one of strength and reflection. Although the cycling accidents brought him physical and emotional challenges, he has maintained his positive outlook on life and his passion for riding. His journey highlights both his determination and his ability to find humor and joy, even in difficult circumstances.