Simon Cowell felt "kind of lost" following the death of his parents

He told PEOPLE: "[Fatherhood has] had a huge impact on me because I loved my parents so much, and once they left, I was kind of lost for a while, and then Eric kind of saved me.

"Because that love comes back a hundred times more powerful.

"I mean, it's extraordinary and it never goes.

"So I didn't expect that, and when it happened, it was like, 'Wow.' I mean, it's incredible."

The Syco founder has helmed the 'Got Talent' franchise since its inception almost 20 years ago, and has even found that his role as a judge on the American iteration of the competition series has "got easier" over time because he is able to incorporate things that his son might like into the show.

He said: "[Being a judge on AGT] got easier since I became a dad, because as Eric got a little bit older... I suddenly started to watch acts through his eyes thinking, 'Would he like that?'

"Because you want your kids and their friends to love the show. So when he comes down with his friends, they're having the best time.

"And that's a great feeling."

What's more, the former 'X Factor' judge - who has been responsible for introducing acts such as One Direction, Little Mix and Fifth Harmony to the world - has realised since starting a family that some things in life are "more important" than work.

He said: "You realize that there are other things more important actually than your career.

"I know it sounds corny, but I mean, it is the truth. If I wasn't where I am in my life today, I think it would feel quite empty."