Simon Cowell, once known for his firm stance against marriage, has surprised many by proposing to his longtime partner Lauren Silverman. At 63, the entertainment mogul is now planning a wedding, something he previously claimed he would never do. His change of heart, he revealed, was influenced by a deepening connection with Lauren and their shared experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown.
During that period, while many couples were tested, Simon and Lauren grew even closer. The time spent together made Simon reflect on the value of their relationship, and he realized he didn’t want to be with anyone else. He admitted that the thought of going on a first date with someone new now feels completely foreign to him.
Another major factor in his decision to propose was their eight-year-old son, Eric. Simon expressed that as Eric grows older, questions about his parents would become more frequent, and he wanted to set an example. He also mentioned the lasting impression his own parents’ happy marriage had left on him, saying he hoped to create something similar with Lauren.
The proposal itself wasn’t a grand gesture. Simon described the moment as simple and straightforward—no kneeling, no dramatic scene. It happened during a vacation in Barbados, in front of their son Eric and Lauren’s son Adam. Though it wasn’t overly romantic, it was meaningful. He wasn’t nervous about her answer, as they had already talked about the kind of ring she liked.
Simon is now personally handling the wedding planning. He wants a private and intimate ceremony, far from the extravagant events he’s known for. He joked that if he lets others take over, it will turn into a massive gathering, just like his 50th birthday celebration.
Their journey hasn’t been without controversy. Lauren was still married to Andrew Silverman, one of Simon’s close friends, when their relationship began in 2004. In 2013, she became pregnant, which led to a divorce and her moving in with Simon. Despite the complicated start, their bond has endured. For years, Simon continued to resist marriage, concerned about how it might affect his life and fortune. But in the end, love and family changed everything.
Even those closest to him, like fellow judge Amanda Holden, admitted they were shocked by the proposal, having long accepted Simon’s claim that he would never marry. But now, it seems he is ready to fully embrace the next chapter.