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Over the years, Cody Simpson has dated a string of high-profile women.
But you can't say he has a type.
From a global pop star to an Olympian, his romantic history is quite diverse.
But when the timeline of his relationships is placed alongside the trajectory of his career, a pattern begins to emerge.
Whether by coincidence or otherwise, his love life has often intersected neatly with his next professional chapter.
This week, the pop-star-turned-competitive-swimmer-turned-pop-star-again spoke on Paul C. Brunson's We Need to Talk podcast about his rise to fame - and the women he dated along the way.
Cody's first famous girlfriend was Kylie Jenner, who gave him early exposure to A-list circles via her family's reality-TV fame. (Pictured together in 2011)
By 16, he was dating model Gigi Hadid, also from a famous family and a model on the rise. That relationship doubtless introduced him to another powerful social network. (Pictured in 2015)
His first famous ex was Kylie Jenner, whom he dated at age 15, shortly after moving from Australia to Hollywood.
Dating the younger half-sister of Kim Kardashian was quite the boon for young Cody, as she gave him early exposure to A-list circles via her family's reality-TV fame.
'I took her to the movies, and we dated for about a year, and I think we just bonded through being in these unique situations,' he told Brunson.
By 16, he was dating model Gigi Hadid, also from a famous family and a model on the rise. That relationship doubtless introduced him to another powerful social network.
At the time, Gigi's mother Yolanda was married to top music producer David Foster, who worked with stars like Whitney Houston.
'Her stepdad was David Foster, an incredible music producer, who at the time I don't think I appreciated enough then having that relationship with him,' Cody told Brunson.
At the time, Gigi was making her name in fashion, which meant press coverage and entry to high-profile events, all of which could increase visibility for a young musician.
Simpson went on to date Miley Cyrus between 2019 and 2021.
Dating Miley Cyrus came at a moment when Cody was trying to transition away from teen-pop stardom and establish himself as a more mature singer-songwriter. (Pictured together in 2019)
Dating Miley came at a moment when Cody was trying to transition away from teen-pop stardom and establish himself as a more mature singer-songwriter.
Miley had, of course, successfully navigated that same transition, shedding her Disney roots, experimenting with new styles, and building credibility as an adult artist.
Indeed, Cody himself noted, 'I think we connected and bonded through, in a way, rebelling from being in that teen-pop stardom thing.'
Beyond emotional support, she offered creative guidance, even collaborating on Cody's album artwork for 'Flower', giving him credibility-by-association.
During their relationship, Cody also wrote and released his debut poetry book, 'Prince Neptune', a project Miley helped to promote on social media.
The couple even got matching trident tattoos, referencing the book's theme.
After splitting from Miley and returning to Australia to pursue competitive swimming, something he had excelled at as a Gold Coast schoolboy, Cody went on to date Emma McKeon, one of our most decorated female pool champions.
The relationship was well-timed: as he trained in elite swimming circles while attempting to qualify for the Olympics, his proximity to Emma, an athlete at the top of her game, would've meant the sort of guidance and access money can't buy.
After splitting from Miley and returning to Australia to pursue competitive swimming, Cody went on to date Emma McKeon, one of our most decorated female Olympic pool champions
Cody and Emma announced their amicable split two weeks ago. The 29-year-old was spotted last week strolling in Los Angeles with American influencer Adelia Clark, 32
Cody, of course, farewelled swimming following the end of his Olympic ambitions in June 2024. He and Emma announced their amicable split two weeks ago.
Still, the singer-slash-athlete doesn't appear too heartbroken, having since moved on with 32-year-old American influencer Adelia Clark.
The pair were spotted last week strolling arm-in-arm outside a café in Los Angeles.
Following the release of Cody's We Need to Talk podcast episode on YouTube, several commenters have questioned the apparent connection between his dating history and his career trajectory.
One listener noted: 'Interesting that he dated Gigi when her stepfather could help him musically, Miley when he was looking to be sober and getting his name out again, and then Emma when he wanted to get ahead in swimming.'
This may be a cynical reading, and we are not suggesting for a moment that Cody has ever pursued a relationship with any ulterior motive.
But it is fair to note that his girlfriends have often aligned with the different seasons of his life.
With Adelia now on his arm, it remains to be seen whether Cody’s next big chapter, after music, poetry and swimming, will be a full‑time dive into content creation.
English (US) ·