Who is Cody Simpson? Cody Simpson is an Australian sensation known for his talents in music, acting, and competitive swimming. Born on January 11, 1997, in Gold Coast, Queensland, he first gained fame by posting song covers on YouTube. His debut single, "iYiYi," featuring Flo Rida, launched his music career in 2010. Beyond music, Cody has appeared in TV shows like Instant Mom and Cougar Town, and even made his Broadway debut in Anastasia. Not just an entertainer, he is also a competitive swimmer, having qualified for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Cody's journey is a testament to his versatility and dedication.
Key Takeaways:
- Cody Simpson's journey from YouTube covers to international stardom showcases the power of talent and social media in launching a successful music career.
- Beyond music and acting, Cody Simpson's diverse talents extend to competitive swimming, philanthropy, and a future that includes balancing his athletic pursuits with artistic endeavors.
Early Life
Cody Simpson's journey began in Australia, where his early years laid the foundation for his diverse career. Let's dive into the beginnings of this multifaceted artist.
- Birth and Family: Cody Robert Simpson was born on January 11, 1997, in Benowa, a suburb on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. His parents, Brad and Angie Simpson, raised him alongside his two younger siblings, Alli and Tom.
- Education: Simpson attended All Saints Anglican School, where he balanced academics with his growing passion for music.
- Early Interests: From a young age, Simpson showed a keen interest in music, performing covers of popular songs and sharing them on YouTube.
Rise to Fame
Cody's rise to fame was swift, thanks to his talent and the power of social media. Here’s how he made his mark.
- YouTube Debut: In 2009, Simpson began uploading song covers to YouTube, including Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours," Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River," The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," and Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive."
- Debut Single: His debut single, "iYiYi," featuring American rapper Flo Rida, was released on May 15, 2010, marking his entry into the music industry.
- Music Video Release: The music video for his second single, "Summertime," premiered on September 20, 2010, further boosting his popularity.
- Move to Los Angeles: In June 2010, Simpson and his family relocated to Los Angeles to work with Atlantic Records' Shawn Campbell.
- Sunrise Appearance: Simpson made an appearance on the Australian television show Sunrise in June 2010, showcasing his talent to a broader audience.
- Camplified Tour: In June 2010, Simpson joined the Camplified 2010 Tour, performing across the United States from July to August 2010.
- Middle School Tour: From October to November 2010, Simpson embarked on a middle school tour, covering nine U.S. states and connecting with young fans.
Music Career
Cody's music career has seen numerous milestones, from EP releases to major tours. Here’s a closer look at his musical journey.
- EP Release: Simpson's first EP, 4 U, was released on September 20, 2011, by Atlantic Records. The EP reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 and sold 24,000 copies.
- Single Release: On April 23, 2011, Simpson released the single "On My Mind," which became a hit among his fans.
- The Today Show Performance: On August 5, 2011, Simpson performed on The Today Show, gaining significant exposure.
- Coast to Coast Mall Tour: Simpson's Coast to Coast Mall Tour began in Lake Grove, New York, on August 6, 2011, promoting his second EP. The tour concluded in Orange, California, on September 18, 2011.
- Manager Change: On September 22, 2011, Simpson hired Justin Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, to guide his career.
- Acoustic Album: Simpson released an acoustic album, The Acoustic Sessions, on November 19, 2013, featuring songs like "Pretty Brown Eyes" and "All Day."
- Band Formation: In 2017, Simpson formed a new band called Cody Simpson and the Tide, debuting with the single "Waiting for the Tide." The band includes Cody on vocals and guitar, Adrian Cota on drums, and Shareef "Reef" Addo on bass.
- Debut EP with the Tide: Cody and the Tide released their debut EP in 2017, showcasing a new musical direction.
Acting Career
Simpson's talents extend beyond music, as he has also made a name for himself in acting. Here are some highlights from his acting career.
- Television Debut: In 2014, Simpson made his television debut by guest-starring as himself in the sitcom Instant Mom.
- Cougar Town Appearance: In 2015, he guest-starred on the American television sitcom Cougar Town, playing Pete, a high school student.
- One Crazy Cruise: Simpson starred in the Nickelodeon film One Crazy Cruise, playing the love interest of Kira Kosarin's character Ellie Jensen-Bauer and portraying himself.
- Smiley Face Killers: In late 2017, Simpson was cast in a supporting role in Bret Easton Ellis' thriller film Smiley Face Killers, opposite actor Crispin Glover.
- Broadway Debut: Simpson made his Broadway musical debut in October 2018, cast as male lead Dmitry in Anastasia, alongside John Bolton and Christy Altomare.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Cody Simpson is not just an entertainer; he is also dedicated to giving back and advocating for important causes.
- Philanthropic Work: Simpson has been involved in various charitable activities throughout his career, using his platform to make a positive impact.
- Mental Health Advocacy: He is an advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing his own experiences to help others.
Competitive Swimming
Beyond music and acting, Simpson has pursued a career in competitive swimming, showcasing his athletic prowess.
- Swimming Career: Simpson joined the Australian Swim Team after qualifying for the Commonwealth Games during Australia's team trials in 2022.
- Commonwealth Games: His participation in the Commonwealth Games marked a significant milestone in his swimming career.
Personal Life
Cody's personal life, including his relationships and family, plays a crucial role in his story.
- Relationship with Emma McKeon: Simpson has been in a relationship with Olympic champion Emma McKeon, attracting media attention.
- Family Importance: He often credits his family for their support and motivation, emphasizing their importance in his life.
- Hydration and Health: Simpson speaks about the importance of hydration and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during his swimming training.
Creative Process
Cody's creative process is influenced by various factors, from nature to personal experiences.
- Songwriting Inspiration: Simpson draws inspiration from nature and personal experiences when writing songs.
- Jazz Music Interest: Recently, he has expressed a new interest in jazz music, indicating a broader musical horizon.
Future Plans
Simpson's future plans include balancing his swimming career with his artistic pursuits.
- Swimming Future: While continuing his swimming career, Simpson also plans to maintain his music and acting endeavors.
- Starting a Family: He has hinted at starting a family in the future, which would likely influence his career choices and priorities.
Additional Facts
Here are some additional facts that highlight Cody Simpson's diverse talents and achievements.
- Record Label Break: Simpson broke with his record label to escape the pressures of the music industry.
- Touring Experience: He has toured extensively across the United States and Australia, performing at various venues and festivals.
- Collaborations: Simpson has collaborated with other artists, including Flo Rida, which helped him gain international recognition.
- Social Media Presence: He maintains a strong social media presence, engaging with fans and sharing updates about his projects.
- Business Ventures: Simpson has explored business ventures beyond music and acting, including potential investments in the entertainment industry.
- Legacy: As he continues to evolve in his career, Cody Simpson leaves a lasting legacy as a talented artist who has inspired many through his music, acting, and philanthropic work.
Cody Simpson: A Multifaceted Talent
Cody Simpson's journey from a young boy posting song covers on YouTube to a multifaceted artist and competitive swimmer is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication to music, acting, and swimming showcases his versatility and passion. From his early days performing covers to forming his band, Cody Simpson and the Tide, and even making his Broadway debut, Cody's career has been diverse and dynamic.
Beyond his professional achievements, Cody's commitment to philanthropy and mental health advocacy highlights his character and dedication to making a positive impact. His relationship with Olympic champion Emma McKeon and his focus on family further emphasize his grounded nature. As Cody continues to pursue his swimming career while maintaining his artistic endeavors, he remains a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Cody Simpson's legacy as a talented artist and dedicated individual will undoubtedly inspire many for years to come.
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