Simon Cowell is more than proud of his son, Eric — but that doesn’t mean he wants to see him on the world’s biggest stage anytime soon!
Speaking to PEOPLE backstage after Tuesday American talent on the live show, the judge explains why he hopes his 9-year-old — who was in the audience for the season 18 qualifying round — “never” comes on the show as a contestant.
“He’s a good drummer,” Cowell, 63, says of his son, who he shares with fiancee Lauren Silverman. “It really is. Thank God it wasn’t the violin, it was the drums. And he’s really good. I mean, he got to the beat. He’s in the rhythm. I keep telling him, ‘If you’re good, you never come to show.'”
Simon Cowell in the 18th season of “America’s Got Talent”.
Trae Patton/NBC
When asked what kind of show he and Eric would perform if they took the stage together, the judge admits he would probably “stand in the wings” while his son stole the show with his drumming skills.
“Oh God,” he moans. “I’m afraid to even think… I would be, I don’t really have any acting talent, so it would have to be him. I would just stand in the wings.”
Simon Cowell says a ‘weight has lifted’ after opening up about his journey with depression and therapy
The judge also tells PEOPLE that he loves seeing Eric and his friends “get excited” in the live show audience, explaining that his son has been coming to watch the shows since he was “really young.”
“He’s a great barometer,” says Cowell. “I look at him to see, ‘Is he having a good time?’ And he was having a really good time while he was in his seat, excited. [It] is the best thing, because with children everything is unfiltered.”
Terry Crews, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell on “America’s Got Talent.”
Trae Patton/NBC
Simon Cowell says son, 9, wants to play drums in a rock band: ‘It’s going to be total torture’
This is not the first time that the proud father has spoken highly of his budding son’s talent. He revealed in August Party tonight that the 9-year-old wants to pursue a career as a drummer and “be in a rock band.”
“Now he decided to audition Britain has talent,” He said ET in that time. “I think he wants to be in a rock band. He likes Green Day.”
Simon Cowell and Eric Cowell at the ceremony honoring Simon with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 22, 2018 in Hollywood.
Rich Fury/Getty
Simon Cowell says his son (8) helped him find balance: ‘Before Eric, my life was 99 percent work’
“It’s going to be total torture,” Cowell continued, joking. “I mean, of all the things I’ve ever done, this is probably going to be the hardest, because he plays the drums. [He’s] I’m going to drum and sing! I said, ‘Oh, God, no.'”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Fans will find out which two contestants will make it to the season 18 finale as voted by viewers American talent results air Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education