Entertainment

X Factor star Freddie Combs dead at 49


Freddie Combs, who made an impression on season two of the reality TV show The X Factor, has died at the age of 49.

The budding singer passed away on Friday while in his hospital bed in Florida as friends and family gathered around, his wife Kay told TMZ.

‘I have so much gratitude to be his wife for 25 years and to be his best friend,’ she told the site.

His spouse also shared that the minister, who had been battling a weight problem for most of his life, had died of kidney failure. 

A sad farewell: Freddie Combs, who made an impression on season two of the reality TV show The X Factor, has died at the age of 49

A sad farewell: Freddie Combs, who made an impression on season two of the reality TV show The X Factor, has died at the age of 49

She will miss him: The budding singer passed away while in his hospital bed in Florida as friends and family gathered around on Friday, his wife Kay told TMZ

She will miss him: The budding singer passed away while in his hospital bed in Florida as friends and family gathered around on Friday, his wife Kay told TMZ

She added that he did not contract COVID-19. And she shared that she ‘knew’ the day before that he would soon pass.

The star had worked hard to shed the pounds over an 11 year period after a ‘near death experience.’

Kay said he had gone from 920lbs to 385lbs in the past decade.

When he was on the X Factor in 2012 he weighed in at just over 530lbs and had to be confined to a wheelchair as he sang alone on stage.

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato served as the judges for the episode with Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian as the hosts. 

And the show must go on: Here Combs was seen being pushed onto the stage to sing in front of a large audience

And the show must go on: Here Combs was seen being pushed onto the stage to sing in front of a large audience

He impressed Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid when on The X Factor as he belted out Wind Beneath My Wings.

His big chance: Combs spoke to Reality Wanted in 2012 about trying out for X Factor. 'In 2010 we did with TLC and because of that I was contacted by a producer from RTL Television is Europe and we did a documentary for European television,' he began. 'He is the one who encouraged me to try out'

His big chance: Combs spoke to Reality Wanted in 2012 about trying out for X Factor. ‘In 2010 we did with TLC and because of that I was contacted by a producer from RTL Television is Europe and we did a documentary for European television,’ he began. ‘He is the one who encouraged me to try out’

But the music producers said Freddie had to get ‘healthy’ before they would take him on as a mentee.

‘I don’t believe you deserve to be stuck in this chair. I’ll back you if you back yourself,’ Simon told him, before putting him through to the next round.

He also talked about his weight while on X Factor. ‘I was bedridden and never came out of the house,’ he told viewers. ‘My music was never heard. My biggest dream would be to give hope to people who are my size. I hope the judges will look past my exterior and give a fat boy a chance.’

The star power: During his 2012 episode Combs worked with, from left, L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and Britney Spears

The star power: During his 2012 episode Combs worked with, from left, L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and Britney Spears

She brought hear to the show: Here the star is seen in a red top as she offers her feedback

She brought hear to the show: Here the star is seen in a red top as she offers her feedback

The judges were impressed, with L.A. Reid describing his voice as ‘heavenly,’ and Britney Spears saying he was ‘shockingly amazing.’

‘Receiving four yes’s is a yes to my future and a yes to my health,’ said Freddie.

Combs spoke to Reality Wanted in 2012 about trying out for X Factor.  

‘In 2010 we did with TLC and because of that I was contacted by a producer from RTL Television is Europe and we did a documentary for European television,’ he began.

‘He is the one who encouraged me to try out. He actually set the interview up. I interviewed initially in Nashville and he was the one who encouraged me to audition.’

A hard loss: His spouse also shared that the minister, who had been battling a weight problem for most of his life, had died of kidney failure

A hard loss: His spouse also shared that the minister, who had been battling a weight problem for most of his life, had died of kidney failure

And he also shared that he was ‘very excited’ to audition.

‘With that many people in the auditorium, the excitement level is incredible. I was very tired that day. It had been a long day of auditions and mine was toward the end,’ said Freddie.

‘I was very optimistic that they would recognize my talent. I was, however, a little nervous about the fact that I was not what they would expect to be coming on the stage.’  

In 2010, Freddie and his wife had also appeared on Ton Of Love, a TLC special. She too has struggled with weight issues.

Freddie, who was born in Jonesville, North Carolina, and Kay had wed in 1996. 



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