Cody Simpson: From Pop Stardom to Swimming Comeback

It’s funny how a career can pivot so completely. You might know Cody Simpson as the golden-haired pop singer who charted worldwide with a catchy single in 2012, or as the tabloid fixture linked to Kylie Jenner, but read the headlines closer today and you’ll find the 28-year-old is a genuine Australian Dolphin, making the national swim team and competing at the Commonwealth Games.

This piece isn’t a fluff biography. It’s an OSINT-style fact pack on Cody Simpson, separating the verifiable timeline of his musical output and athletic pursuits from the often-loud internet rumors. Born on January 11, 1997, Simpson has navigated a unique path that few child stars manage to walk, whether that is winning gold medals in the pool or releasing four studio albums. Let’s strip back the entertainment headlines and look at the cold, hard facts of his dual career.

Born: January 11, 1997 · Monthly listeners: 1.7 million (Spotify) · Famous song: La Da Dee (2012) · Swimming team: Australian Dolphins (2022)

What Has Happened to Cody Simpson?

From Pop Star to Olympic Trials: The Career Pivot

The shift away from music wasn’t a sudden break-up with the industry but a calculated return to a childhood passion. After releasing four studio albums and touring extensively as a pop artist, Simpson’s desire to return to competitive swimming became a public narrative around 2019. Speaking to Olympics.com, he described the move not as a rejection of music but as a rekindling of a fire that had been burning since he was a kid, a shift that felt natural during the global pandemic period.

“It wasn’t a rejection of music — it was a rekindling of a fire that had been burning since I was a kid.” — Cody Simpson, Olympics.com

This wasn’t a publicity stunt or a reality show gimmick. Simpson dove headfirst into the grueling Australian qualifying circuit, a world away from the production studio. His dedication culminated in a spot on the Australian Dolphins roster at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a feat that shocked sports pundits who had only remembered him as “that pop singer who was good at training.”

The implication is that Simpson’s focus on swimming reshaped his public identity from pop star to athlete with a genuine second act.

Recent Public Appearances and Projects

Since his Olympic dream ended in June 2024, Simpson has kept a lower public profile. He remains active on social media, with his Instagram bio reading “artist, former australian swim team.” He has not announced new music releases but continues to surf and train casually.

Are Emma McKeon and Cody Simpson Together?

The Nature of Their Relationship

Emma McKeon is a fellow Australian competitive swimmer and one of the most decorated Olympians in the country’s history. Media outlets have linked the two romantically since 2023, citing close friendship and shared training environments. However, neither Simpson nor McKeon has officially confirmed a relationship.

The pattern here is that high-profile swimming pairs often attract media speculation without public acknowledgment.

What Happened Between Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson?

Timeline of Their On-and-Off Romance

Simpson and Cyrus were first linked romantically in 2019 after Cyrus’s split from Liam Hemsworth. They were frequently photographed together and collaborated on songs. Their relationship was on-and-off for about a year, ending amicably in 2020.

“We are still friends, and I care about him deeply.” — Miley Cyrus, Billboard

Why They Broke Up

Both parties have described the split as mutual and friendly. Cyrus focused on her career and personal growth, while Simpson turned his attention back to swimming. They have been seen together in group settings since the breakup, maintaining a reportedly cordial relationship.

What this means is that the tabloid narrative of a bitter split is not supported by the evidence.

How Old Was Cody Simpson When He Dated Kylie Jenner?

The Age When They Were First Linked

Simpson was 19 when he and Kylie Jenner were briefly linked in 2016. They had been friends for years prior. The relationship was never officially confirmed and was widely considered a short-lived teenage fling.

The catch is that despite the media frenzy, neither party ever gave it much weight.

Are Miley and Cody Still Friends?

Post-Breakup Interactions

Cody Simpson and Miley Cyrus have both mentioned maintaining a friendship after their split. They have been seen together in group settings, and Cyrus has spoken positively about Simpson in interviews. No recent public interactions have been reported as of 2025.

The implication is that their connection remains respectful, if distant.

How Rich Is Cody Simpson?

Estimated Net Worth and Sources of Income

Cody Simpson’s net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth to be around $3 million. His income sources include music sales, streaming, touring, modeling contracts, and merchandise. However, these figures are not officially confirmed, and his financial disclosures are sparse.

What this means is that any precise net worth figure is an educated guess at best.

What Is Cody Simpson’s Most Famous Song?

Chart Performance and Cultural Impact

Simpson’s single “La Da Dee” is his most commercially successful song, reaching #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2012. It remains his cultural touchstone. Other notable hits include “iYiYi” and “Summertime of Our Lives.”

The pattern is clear: his music career, while containing multiple releases, is defined by that one hit.

Where Does Cody Simpson Live Now?

Residence in the United States and Return to Australia

Simpson grew up on the Gold Coast, Australia. He moved to Los Angeles as a teenager to pursue music. As of 2022, he splits his time between Australia and the United States for training and family. He has not publicly listed a permanent address.

The implication is that his lifestyle remains transient, reflecting his dual-career life.

Who Is Cody Simpson’s Family?

His Parents and Siblings

Simpson’s father is Brad Simpson, a businessman and former football player; his mother is Angie Simpson, who was a stay-at-home mom and is of Serbian descent. He has a sister, Alli Simpson (singer-songwriter and actress), and a brother, Tom. Alli competed on The Amazing Race Australia.

What this means is that his family has been supportive of his varied pursuits.

What Made Cody Simpson Famous?

Early YouTube Covers and Discovery

Simpson began posting song covers on YouTube at age 13. His cover of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” gained millions of views. He was discovered by Scooter Braun, who signed him to a developmental deal with Atlantic Records.

The catch is that his initial rise was built on digital virality before traditional media.

Frequently Asked Questions