Simon Cowell to become a first-time father

Soon Simon Cowell will be listening to a new kind of vocal sounds pretty soon: baby cries.

"The X Factor" judge, 53, is expecting his first child with New York socialite Lauren Silverman, according to People. The 36-year-old is married to Cowell's close friend, real estate mogul Andrew Silverman, though the couple have reportedly filed for divorce.

In 2009, Cowell said that children were not in the cards for him; however, last year he changed his tune.

"I do really, really like kids, because I can talk to them and listen to them," he told AOL Music. "The problem has always been how much time you need to devote to bringing up kids and I've always dedicated all my life to work, and at 52, I've probably missed the opportunity."

Cowell was previously engaged to "American Idol" makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy, but the couple broke things off in 2011.

Tell us: Do you think Cowell will make a good dad?