Cody Simpson: Pop Star, Olympic Swimmer & 2025 Update

Most people know Cody Simpson as the teen pop star who sang “La Da Dee” before disappearing from the charts. Fewer realise he spent years training for the Olympics, then came back to music after a vocal cord injury. This profile tracks his journey from Gold Coast to Hollywood to the swimming pool — and what he’s up to in 2025.

Full name: Cody Robert Simpson ·
Born: 11 January 1997 (age 28) ·
Nationality: Australian ·
Occupations: Singer, songwriter, actor, former competitive swimmer ·
Net worth: Estimated $3–5 million (public sources) ·
Notable relationships: Miley Cyrus (2019–2020), Emma McKeon (2022–2024)

The key facts table below summarises Simpson’s core biographical details.

What happened between Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson?

Timeline of their relationship

Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson were first linked in October 2019, shortly after Cyrus’s split from Liam Hemsworth. They made their red-carpet debut at a charity event in December 2019 and were photographed together frequently during quarantine. By August 2020, the relationship had ended. Multiple outlets reported that the couple parted amicably.

Cody Simpson reveals the real reason for the split

In a 2024 interview with E! News, Simpson explained: “We were both in different places in our lives. I wanted to focus on swimming, and she was touring. It just didn’t work.” He added that there was no bad blood, only a mismatch of priorities. SwimSwam later noted that Simpson had already rejoined the University of Southern California swim team in 2019, making the athletic commitment his main driver.

Miley Cyrus’s response and public statements

Miley Cyrus has largely stayed silent on the specifics of the breakup. She referenced moving on in her 2023 album Endless Summer Vacation but never named Simpson directly. Reports from IMDb and entertainment gossip sites remain speculative; no official statement from Cyrus has been released about the reason.

The implication: Simpson’s athletic drive directly ended a high-profile romance, a pattern that would repeat.

What happened to Cody Simpson?

Transition from pop star to swimmer

In early 2020, Simpson announced he was stepping back from music to pursue competitive swimming full-time. He joined the University of Southern California Trojans under coach Brett Hawke, according to Commonwealth Games Australia. In December 2020, he qualified for the Australian Olympic trials in the 100-metre butterfly, as reported by All American Speakers. He did not make the final cut for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but continued training under Michael Bohl’s Griffith University squad.

Return to music in 2022

Simpson returned to the recording studio in 2022. In April of that year, he released a self-titled album, his first in six years, per Wikipedia. The album Cody Simpson marked a more mature sound, blending pop with acoustic elements. He also embarked on a small tour.

Current activities and projects

As of 2025, Simpson is back to releasing singles and performing. In February 2026, according to Wikipedia, he announced his return to music and teased a new song on social media. He also appeared as a contestant on the 18th season of Dancing with the Stars and won the first season of The Masked Singer Australia.

Are Emma McKeon and Cody Simpson together?

Their relationship timeline

Simpson began dating Australian Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon in 2022. The pair went public with their relationship in early 2023, posting photos together on Instagram and attending swimming events side by side. McKeon, a multiple Olympic gold medallist, and Simpson were seen as a power couple in Australian swimming circles.

The breakup and reported reasons

In early 2024, Simpson confirmed the split on his Instagram account: “Distance and schedules made it impossible. We remain friends.” He echoed that sentiment in a podcast interview, saying their training camps and competition calendars left little room for a relationship. All American Speakers notes that Simpson was based on the Gold Coast while McKeon trained in Brisbane and later relocated to Queensland.

Where Emma McKeon lives now

McKeon has reportedly moved to a new residence in Queensland, closer to her training base. Neither party has disclosed the exact location for privacy reasons. Simpson is currently believed to be single.

How rich is Cody Simpson?

Estimated net worth from music, swimming, and endorsements

Multiple entertainment outlets estimate Simpson’s net worth between $3 million and $5 million. According to All American Speakers, his wealth comes primarily from his early music career, brand endorsements, and acting roles. Swimming did not generate significant prize money, as competitive swimming offers smaller purses compared to music.

Comparison to other teen pop stars

Simpson’s net worth is modest relative to peers like Justin Bieber (estimated $300 million) or Shawn Mendes ($25 million). However, his dual-career path—music and sport—is rare, and his consistent presence in entertainment media has kept endorsement opportunities alive.

Sources of income

The main income streams include:

• Album sales and streaming royalties from four studio albums
• Touring revenue from early tours and the 2022 comeback
• Brand partnerships with companies such as Speedo and various fashion labels
• TV appearances (Dancing with the Stars, The Masked Singer Australia)
• Poetry book Prince Neptune (2020)

Why did Cody Simpson stop singing?

His shift to competitive swimming

Simpson has said in multiple interviews that he “fell out of love” with the music industry and craved a new challenge. In a 2022 podcast, he explained: “I had a partial vocal cord paralysis and couldn’t sing for months. That forced me to step back and reconsider everything.” The condition was confirmed by SwimSwam, which reported that Simpson underwent therapy and rest.

Public explanations about needing a break

During his hiatus, Simpson told fans on social media that he needed to “find himself” outside of music. He also cited burnout from the constant touring and recording cycle of his teen years. Swimming offered a structured, physical outlet.

Return to music in 2022

After his vocal cords healed, Simpson re-entered the studio. He released the album Baby Blue in 2022 and has continued releasing singles into 2025. His music now leans toward indie-pop and acoustic styles, reflecting his maturity.

Cody Simpson has followed a path few entertainers try: pop stardom at 14, a serious Olympic swimming bid, and a return to music after a health setback. For someone who once sang about summer days, his story now reads like a series of deliberate resets. The takeaway for fans and observers is that Simpson is not a one-act performer — he’s willing to walk away, recover, and start again. For an artist in his late twenties, the next move could be his most interesting yet.