Simon Cowell Proud Papa Of Two: Fifth Harmony Girl Band And Baby Eric [Video]

Ever since its premiere, Simon Cowell’s American version of the British smash hit The X Factor has hit a sour note when compared to American Idol. But now Cowell is defying critics who say that The X Factor has never produced a success story with the group that he put together from singers on the show. Called Fifth Harmony, the girl band has become Simon’s baby, and he’s almost as proud of the singers as he is of his new baby Eric, revealed Fusion Live.

Simon takes credit for not only putting Fifth Harmony together, but for believing in their potential. Cowell gave the group a deal with his own Syco Records — and the rest is musical history. Fifth Harmony won “Artist to Watch” at the MTV VMAs, and their single, “BO$S,” has earned a solid place in the Billboard Hot 100.

Although Cowell was initially disappointed that Fifth Harmony did not win the show, he made it clear that he had faith in their future, as shown in the video.

But while the group’s debut album, Reflection, won’t drop until December, Simon Cowell’s baby is very much the X factor in his current life. And although he revealed to Hello magazine that he still remains a defiant bachelor, he also takes pride in his role as devoted father.

Now that George Clooney is officially married, Simon wants to be recognized as the world’s most eligible bachelor, he joked.

“I’m the only iconic bachelor left in the entire world — thanks for that George Clooney!” declared Cowell.

Does he have plans to marry, now that he’s a father, or will Simon remain a bachelor?

“I think it’s a title I’ll keep for a while longer if I’m honest. I’ve never said no to marriage but then again I couldn’t imagine having a kid at one point and now look at me.

“I guess I was always nervous I may not end up getting on particularly well with the person I was going to have a kid with and I didn’t want to make the wrong decision. The fact is, our baby wasn’t planned was actually the best thing for us to have done and we’re very happy now.”

But Simon has no plans to be a stay-at-home parent. He would much rather help promote Fifth Harmony than change diapers.

“I’m going to be honest – I’m not exactly a hands on dad,” said Cowell. “I want to fast forward a few years so I can take him go-karting and then introduce him to women. There are a few years to go yet.”

As the Inquisitr pointed out, Simon Cowell named his baby after his own father, Eric. And in true Cowell tradition, his announcement to his fellow judges focused on their role to find talent rather than the baby.

“I’m sorry I can’t be here today. My son has decided to arrive early. You all have a big responsibility to find some great talent today without me,” texted Cowell.

[Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images]