Over the span of two years, Simon Cowell experienced two separate bicycle accidents that led to various health issues. When Cowell and the other America’s Got Talent judges appeared on the Today Show recently, they openly acknowledged these incidents. The program was hosted by Howie Mandel, Terry Crews, and Heidi Klum.
The 64-year-old celebrity faced similar consequences while riding through London in early 2022, following an earlier e-bike accident in Malibu in 2020.
In a promotional video for the upcoming 18th season of America’s Got Talent, Simon was asked how these accidents have influenced his perspective on life. He responded, “I wasn’t in the best shape before the mishaps, so they were far from terrific, rather quite terrible.” Reflecting on the healing process, he realized how unfit he actually was.
“It was a revelation, a true ‘god’ moment,” he continued. Despite his enduring love for cycling, Simon believes everything happens for a reason.
To the delight of his fellow judges, he declared, “I’m not giving up on my bike.” He expressed his admiration for these amazing innovations.
Following the second accident, Simon was hospitalized, where doctors found he had a concussion and a broken arm.
On August 27, 2014, in London, England, Simon Cowell attended the press launch of The X Factor at The Ham Yard Hotel in London.
Although the second collision was less severe than the first, it still resulted in a broken back and required him to wear a wrist brace for several months. In the aftermath, Simon changed his lifestyle, primarily for the sake of his nine-year-old son Eric. His fiancée, Lauren Silverman, also provided significant motivation.
In an interview with The Sun in April last year, he discussed dealing with the repercussions of his e-bike accident.
At the time of my back injury, I was in such a dark place that, for the first time ever, I considered going to therapy,» he shared.
I felt so distressed that I couldn’t express my emotions to Eric. I wondered when I’d be able to enjoy walks and play football with him again.
On February 14, 2014, Simon and Lauren welcomed their son, Eric. The TV star mentioned that his son had humorously given him a new nickname after his biking accidents.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge confessed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight that he felt «embarrassed» watching the shows at home.
Despite having his back supported by metal rods and screws post-surgery, Simon found comfort in his son’s comparison of him to the superhero Iron Man.
«When I was reunited with my family, Eric looked at me and said, ‘Dad, you look like Iron Man,’» Simon proudly recalled. «I smiled and replied, ‘Yes, I really am like Iron Man.’»
Since then, Simon has managed to laugh off his setbacks, even downplaying the more serious injuries he sustained in June 2021 while on the AGT stage.
During a kid-friendly Shaolin Kung Fu act, Terry asked Simon if he could ever see himself performing such dangerous stunts. Simon humorously responded, «After my back injury, simply walking around the garden with Eric felt like a huge achievement.» He added, «Even then, I sometimes thought, ‘Maybe this isn’t such a great idea.’»
Simon’s journey of resilience and self-reflection showcases his unwavering determination.
Despite the challenges from his biking accidents, he continues to find joy in riding and life, always maintaining his sense of humor.
