Simon Cowell opens up about becoming a dad

Finally! The great judge has spoken.

Yes, former American Idol judge and current X Factor bossman and judge, Simon Cowell, 53, has confirmed his big baby news and broken his silence among reporters at the premiere for the One Direction movie, This Is Us, Tuesday night.

"It's something I hadn't thought of before," he told reporters, according to the BBC. "But now I know I feel good about it," he said, adding that he is "proud to be a dad." Nice, Simon!

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Of his baby-mama, New York socialite, Lauren Silverman, 36, he said, "Things are changing in my life right now, for the better. . . . She's a very special girl."

Last week, Lauren and her husband reached a divorce settlement. Her husband filed after the baby news came out. Among other things, they will have joint custody of their seven-year-old son.

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Being a father isn't such a far cry for Simon. Indeed, the uber-famous One Direction boys are kind of his babies: They were X Factor finalists in 2010; he signed them on to his record label; and now he's co-producing their movie. "It has been my dream come true to produce a film," Simon said. "I feel like a proud father."

Big thanks to Hello! Canada for the great scoop. We've got our eye on you, Simon.

Can you tell I'm a Simon fan? American Idol has never been the same without him....

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