Who is Eric Cowell? Simon Cowell keeps promise to his 9-year-old son as he picks Cillian O’Connor for 'AGT' Dream Team
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League,' crafting a Dream Team demanded keen strategic thinking. However, decisions were not always based on logic. Simon Cowell chose teenager magician Cillian O'Connor as a loving tribute to his nine-year-old son Eric. "I promised Eric I would pick one [Act] for him," Simon remarked on the most recent 'AGT: Fantasy League'.
"Eric, this one's for you."
Eric Philip Cowell, the son of Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman, was born on February 14, 2014, in New York City, United States. Eric is named after Simon's late father. At Eric's birth, Simon commented, "I never knew how much love and pride I would feel". Simon joyfully added magician Cillian from Mornington, Ireland, to his Dream Team. He finished third in 'Britain's Got Talent' Season 16 last year, and Simon believed the young magician had what it takes to win him bragging rights on 'AGT: Fantasy League', if only because his son is a fan.
Who is 'AGT: Fantasy League' magician Cillian O’Connor?
Cillian was diagnosed with autism and walled off until finding magic seven years ago. "I saw magicians on America's Got Talent, and that really inspired me to get into magic myself," he revealed before his 'AGT: Fantasy League' performance. Cillian has ascended in the world of magic, earning praise from Simon who described him as "one of the best magicians we've ever had on our show."
"When Simon chose me to be on his Dream Team," Cillian exclaimed, "I just couldn't believe it." Simon's advice to the talented young magician: "Tell a story, and use great music."
What did Cillian O’Connor do in 'AGT: Fantasy League'?
"In a world that’s often upside down, there's a chance for fun and happy moments to pop up when we least expect them," Cillian remarked, approaching Judges Simon, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel. Cillian presented a deck of cards with unusual sentences printed on them, placing a sheer hankie labeled "dog" on the panelists' desk.
Simon shuffled half the cards, and Howie selected a card with the word "believe" from the remaining deck. Cillian then shuffled all the cards, contemplating whether the jumbled words could be magically arranged to convey his narrative. As he read the stacked cards, the message unfolded: "Autism … isn't a disability … it's an ability. Magic … has changed … my world … Simon … I'm here … because of you … Thank you."
Simultaneously, the word "believe" appeared on the hankie, which Cillian clutched before vanishing into thin air amid a cloudburst of confetti. Upon his reappearance, the audience erupted in cheers. In a heartfelt moment, Simon summarized his thoughts on Cillian's act, declaring, "I really love you," creating an emotional atmosphere for everyone present.
Simon Cowell's son Eric wants to audition for 'Britain's Got Talent'
Simon's genuine feelings for Cillian have a heartwarming paternal sense, reflecting his fondness for discussing his 9-year-old son, Eric, often referred to as his mini-me. Simon recently shared that Eric is ready to create his own act and perform on stage, expressing, "[He's] decided he's going to audition for Britain's Got Talent," in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Eric's talents include playing drums, singing, and being a devoted Green Day fan, which Simon humorously noted would be "total torture." In case a musical act doesn't work out, Eric might try his hand at mind-reading. Simon revealed to Access Hollywood that even before the 'AGT' Season 18 results were released, Eric accurately predicted Adrian Stoica and Hurricane would win. "He really, really called it," Simon explained.
Adrian shared an adorable photo on the red carpet with Simon, the Border Collie, and Eric, describing Eric as the pup's "special new friend." Simon openly acknowledges the tremendous influence his son has had on him, stating, "I'm a very different man to the one I was 10 years ago. Eric changed everything, to be honest."
Every Monday at 8/7c, NBC and NBC.com will telecast two-hour episodes of 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League'. New episodes will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day.