Simon Cowell’s Partner Lauren Takes His Last Name, Shares Heartfelt Revelation in New Netflix Series
In Simon Cowell’s newly released Netflix docuseries “Simon Cowell: The Next Act,” his long-time partner Lauren makes a significant personal revelation that clarifies their relationship status. Lauren, 48, confirms she has officially taken the Cowell surname, ending years of speculation about the couple’s marital intentions. The six-episode series, which began streaming on December 10, provides an intimate look into the famous music mogul’s life as he balances his professional ambitions with his role as a family man.
Lauren explains that she had previously maintained the last name Silverman out of consideration for her son Adam, whom she shares with ex-husband Andrew Silverman. “I kept it for him,” Lauren shares candidly in the third episode, expressing her desire to share a surname with her son during his formative years. However, with Adam turning 18 last year, Lauren felt ready to make the change, stating simply, “I don’t really want to have my ex-husband’s last name anymore.” The docuseries captures the touching moment when Lauren signs the paperwork to officially become Lauren Cowell on Simon’s 65th birthday in 2024, a gesture she playfully describes as part of his birthday gift. “That just feels right,” she tells the camera before quickly correcting herself with a laugh, “Not ‘for now,’ but I mean now, forever!”
The couple’s journey together began in 2012, and they welcomed their son Eric in 2014. Simon proposed to Lauren on Christmas Eve in 2021 during a family vacation in Barbados, cementing their commitment after nearly a decade together. While fans had noticed Lauren using the Cowell surname on her newly launched Instagram account as early as October, she hadn’t publicly addressed the marriage rumors until this documentary. Simon himself recently told Us Weekly that when they eventually walk down the aisle, the ceremony “will be private” before they share the news with the world. He added thoughtfully, “The fact that she talks about changing her name, it’s quite obvious where all this is leading to. We have a very, very close bond, me and Lauren. I adore her, and we are a very happy family.”
“The Next Act” offers viewers unprecedented access to the Cowells’ personal lives, showcasing their lavish homes in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The series features rare glimpses of both children—Adam, now 19, and Eric, now 11—spending quality time with Simon and Lauren. These intimate family moments reveal a softer side to the notoriously tough music executive, known for his blunt assessments on television talent competitions. The documentary balances these personal revelations with Simon’s professional journey, primarily focusing on his quest to create a new boy band that could potentially follow in the footsteps of his most successful group, One Direction.
Simon explains his motivation for the project in a revealing voice-over during the first episode: “I’m probably best known for TV shows like [American] Idol, X Factor and America’s Got Talent. As much as I love my job on TV, I miss where I started, signing artists and mainly working with bands.” He reflects on the historical dominance of boy bands throughout the decades before acknowledging the current popularity of K-pop artists on the global stage. With characteristic confidence, he declares, “There is a massive opportunity. I am gonna find a new boy band.” This professional challenge forms the narrative backbone of the series, showcasing Simon’s expertise in talent development and his unwavering belief in his ability to spot the next big thing in music.
“Simon Cowell: The Next Act” ultimately presents a multifaceted portrait of a man at a pivotal moment in both his personal and professional life. Now 66, Simon appears to have found a harmonious balance between his ambitious career goals and his commitment to family life with Lauren and their blended family. The documentary captures the evolution of the music industry titan from a ruthless talent judge to a more reflective industry veteran who values his personal relationships as much as his professional accomplishments. As viewers follow Simon’s journey to discover new musical talent, they’re also given insight into his own transformation and the meaningful partnership he’s built with Lauren, who has clearly become central to his happiness and stability. The series, now streaming on Netflix, offers fans a refreshingly human look at one of the entertainment industry’s most influential figures and the woman who has chosen to share his name and his life.
