'I've waited all my life for you': Tearful Simon Cowell's 'first words' to baby Eric moments after his birth... as it's revealed his middle name is Philip

By Jason Chester and Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 21:09 EST, 15 February 2014 | Updated: 04:53 EST, 16 February 2014

An emotional Simon Cowell reportedly wept tears of happiness as he whispered his first words to newborn son Eric on Friday.

The pop mogul was thought to have ruled out parenthood prior to announcing over Lauren Silverman’s pregnancy last August, but pals claim he took to it ‘like a natural’ shortly after Eric’s birth at Lennox Hill Hospital in New York.

Cradling his son his arms, Cowell – who joined Lauren for the natural birth at 10:45 in the morning – reportedly whispered: ‘I’ve waited all my life for you.’

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Feeling peaceful? Simon looked happy, radiant and full of energy as he smiled for the shutterbugs

A source told The Sun On Sunday: ‘It was such a very emotional day for them and such a special moment when the baby arrived. There were happy tears shed by everyone, including Simon

‘Eric is absolutely amazing and they’re all so delighted. He’s very handsome and Simon and Lauren are completely besotted. Simon was at Lauren’s side the entire time and he told her it was the best day of his life.’

The pal added: ‘He admitted he was a little nervous before but, when it came to it, he was a complete natural.’

Delighted: Cowell has taken to fatherhood like 'a natural' according to sourcxes

Proud papa! Simon Cowell headed into the New York City hospital on Saturday where his girlfriend Lauren Silverman gave birth to the couple's first child, a son named Eric, on Valentine's Day

That's better! The 54-year-old music mogul looked to have gotten some rest overnight after looking a little worse for wear the previous day when he welcomed his baby boy

One happy dad: The X Factor judge looked calm and content as he gave the thumbs up with a hospital band wrapped around his wrist

Cowell has given Eric, named after his late father, the middle name Philip – thought to be a tribute to his close friend, retail magnate Sir Philip Green.

A Cowell spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline: ‘Yes, Eric’s middle name is Philip.’

The name is thought to be a tribute to Sir Philip after he helped Cowell and Lauren during her divorce from Andrew Silverman last year.

‘Simon wanted to pay proper tribute to the influence of his late father in his life,’ a source told the Sunday Mirror.

‘Eric Philip is clearly a very proper tribute to the man. But there’s no doubt he also wanted to pay some kind of tribute to another Philip who has been a major influence in his life, Sir Philip Green.

Happy as a clam: Simon could not contain his glee as he was spotted in New York on Saturday night

Headline news: The mogul looked pleased as punch to have made headlines around the world

He's his own biggest fan: Simon looked to be reading up on his own good news

‘It’s tremendous he’s been able to pay respect to two different role models with his baby son’s birth.’

The mogul is thought to have celebrated the birth by ordering a hamburger that he washed down with a cold Corona Light lager before leaving the hospital in the early hours of the morning.

ON Saturday a clearly delighted Cowell gave onlookers the thumbs up on his way in to see his two loves.

Dressed casually in his usual favourites - baggy jeans and a T-shirt - Simon shielded himself from the cold with a heavy trench coat and warm grey scarf as he trudged across the snow-laden road.

The talent judge appeared much more perky and bright than the day before after he flew in from London, with his skin glowing and an unmistakably proud grin plastered across his face.

He carried a mysterious red carry bag, perhaps containing some surprise goodies for the mother of his firstborn.

Sibling support: Lauren's sister Nicole Davis spotted leaving Lenox Hill Hospital on Saturday

Family event: Lauren's father Steven Davis arrived to meet his new grandchild on Saturday

Look here! The new father proudly brandished a copy of a local paper announcing the birth of his son Eric

Glowing: The music producer looked to be walking on cloud nine

Long night: Simon appeared to be looking forward to a good night's sleep

Pausing at the entrance of the spectacular looking hospital, Simon turned and waved at the shutterbugs and any waiting fans.

And the famously harsh judge wasn't playing any hardball on this particular day, opting instead to grin, give the thumbs up and throw up a peace sign for good measure.

Lauren would obviously have been staying at the hospital with her second son - she has an eight-year old called Adam with ex-husband Andrew - who was born at at 17.45 EST on Friday, Valentine's Day, weighing 6lbs 7oz.

Daddy duty: The new father made his way in to see his girlfriend Lauren and their brand new baby Eric, who was named after Simon's late father Eric Cowell

A source told MailOnline: 'Lauren's mother and sister were in the delivery room with them when she gave birth. Simon's mother, Julie, is looking forward to meeting the baby in the UK.'

Cowell tweeted just hours later, giving away the infant's name: 'Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome.'

He later added an explanatory note: 'Named after my dad'.

Many stars across the world have been sending their congratulations to the music mogul and his girlfriend.

Close friend and ex girlfriend Terri Seymour said: 'I called him tonight and he is so excited. It really is all change for him, but he is ready. Eric is a great name. It is great that he picked that name in honour of his father. It is very touching. I can't wait to see them all.'

Mario Lopez threw in his two cents too, saying: #Congrats to my boy @SimonCowell & his Valentine's Day baby!!! Smooth move... Only you could pull that off Sir.'

A vast improvement! On Friday Simon Cowell looked puffy faced and exhausted - as to be expected - outside the hospital where his son was born on Valentine's Day

Music icon Tom Jones took time out from his performance in aid of the red carpet at the Mending Kids International All Star Concert for Children Worldwide In Los Angeles.

Tom revealed to MailOnline, that Simon will be able to mix his workaholic nature with being a father: 'So good luck to him and his partner and his new child. I think having a child is a responsibility.

'I had a child when I was 17 years old and you can do both, The Voice UK judge explained. 'You can have a family and still enjoy being in showbusiness.

New parents: Simon Cowell and girlfriend Lauren Silverman were pictured in NYC in September 2013

  

He added: It can be done but you have to make sure that you put your time in, and be a loving father that is all you have to do.'

Asked if Cowell's time being taken up with child-rearing could impact on the TV battle between the  X Factor and his BBC rival, Tom smiled: 'I don't know about that. Simon Cowell is a lovely fella. I have met him and he is a solid man.'

Nigel Lythgoe told us exclusively: 'I look forward to working with Simon again on a brand new production, "My Kid's Got Talent.'

Piers Morgan also took to Twitter to share an adorable throwback photo of a young Simon with his father, and wrote, 'A young Simon Cowell with his father Eric, who he adored... lovely tribute to name his son after him.'

The big arrival: Simon tweeted out the specifics of the news on Friday - Valentine's Day

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