In a moment no one — not even Simon Cowell — saw coming, the America’s Got Talent 2025 stage was brought to a standstill when Eric Cowell, Simon’s young son, unexpectedly walked out with a microphone in hand. The crowd gasped as the boy shyly introduced himself, speaking about the special bond he shares with his father, before launching into a heartfelt tribute performance that instantly melted every heart in the room. Simon, known for his tough exterior, was visibly shaken. He stood up, covered his mouth, and then walked off the judges’ panel, overcome with emotion. “I’ve never seen him like that,” one stunned audience member said. “It was raw. Real. Beautiful.” As Eric sang, Simon returned, wiping away tears, clearly touched by the surprise of a lifetime. A golden buzzer moment in every sense — and not because of competition, but because of love.

Simon Cowell, the famously tough judge on shows like Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), surprised viewers recently when his 10-year-old son, Eric Cowell, made a surprise appearance on stage. Fans expected something impressive from the son of a music industry titan — but what they got was something entirely different.

Was Eric Cowell’s performance serious?

Not at all. The appearance was part of a lighthearted moment during the show — completely planned as a joke. Young Eric grabbed the microphone and tried his hand at freestyle rapping, much to the amusement of the audience. The rhythm was off, the rhymes were wild, and the performance was far from polished.

Even Simon, who’s known for his poker face, couldn’t help but laugh.

How did the audience react?

The crowd in the studio burst into laughter and applause, clearly enjoying the fun. Many saw it as a sweet and funny father-son moment, rather than a real audition. Online, fans reacted with similar humor:

• “Eric has stage presence for sure — maybe not talent just yet, but he’s got confidence!”

• “This was the cutest disaster we’ve seen on BGT!”

Is Simon Cowell pushing Eric into show business?

Simon has publicly stated several times that he won’t force Eric into a career in entertainment. While he’s open to supporting his son’s interests, he wants Eric to follow his own path.

Still, Eric’s natural comfort on stage and his sense of humor show that he might have inherited some of his dad’s showbiz charm.

Final verdict: Not a real audition, just good fun

This wasn’t a serious talent audition — it was a fun, family-friendly moment that brought a smile to everyone’s face. There were no buzzers, no judging, and no expectations — just a sweet, slightly cringeworthy performance that reminded viewers of the joy and unpredictability of live television.

Watch the full clip of Eric Cowell’s surprise performance on Britain’s Got Talent. You won’t believe Simon’s reaction!