Cody Simpson Reflects on A-List Past: From First Love Gigi Hadid to Gratitude for Miley Cyrus

Australian singer Cody Simpson opens up about his past high-profile relationships, calling Gigi Hadid his first love and sharing gratitude for Miley Cyrus.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 10:15 AM EDT

Source: People

The Early Days with Kylie Jenner Appearing on the We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson podcast, Cody Simpson, now 29, traced his romantic history back to his first girlfriend, Kylie Jenner. The pair met as teenagers at the 2010 premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, where they exchanged numbers on the red carpet. Simpson recalled a year of "young love," noting that they bonded over the unique experience of growing up in the public eye. He humorously reflected on the relationship’s branding potential, joking that the "K-O-D-Y" combination ultimately didn't stick.

Gigi Hadid: A Formative First Love Simpson spoke with particular warmth regarding supermodel Gigi Hadid, whom he described as his "first love." The relationship began with a teenage ruse; Simpson admitted to "cold-calling" Hadid with a fake pitch for a music video just to break the ice. The couple dated on and off for two years until 2015. Beyond their personal connection, Simpson noted that the relationship provided him with significant professional exposure, particularly through Hadid's then-stepfather, legendary music producer David Foster, who occasionally joined Simpson in the recording studio.

Navigating Maturity with Miley Cyrus The Australian musician also addressed his 2020 romance with Miley Cyrus, which took place during the height of global lockdowns. Simpson described their bond as a shared rebellion against the "teen pop stardom" that had defined both of their early careers. He credited Cyrus with helping him navigate his transition into an independent singer-songwriter. While the relationship eventually ended due to diverging life paths—with Simpson returning to Australia for professional swimming training—he maintained that he will "always be grateful" for the sobriety and maturity they shared during that period.

A Pivot to Professional Athletics The end of Simpson’s relationship with Cyrus marked a major turning point in his life as he shifted focus from the music industry to competitive swimming. He explained that his need to move back to Australia to train "properly and professionally" created a "fork in the road" while Cyrus was preparing for her own world tour. This dedication to sport eventually led to a four-year relationship with Australian Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon, which reportedly concluded in late 2025 according to recent family statements.

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