'X Factor' Star Freddie Combs Dies At Age 49 Of Kidney Failure

One of the biggest stars of 'X Factor' -- Freddie Combs -- has died at the age of 49 following complications of kidney failure.

According to his family, the minister who became a lightning rod on the competition show's second season passed away on Friday in a Florida hospital. Combs' wife, Kay, says his death was not COVID-19 related and was the result of kidney failure.

As you know, Freddie stunned the crowd with his unbelievable voice while taking the stage of the hit television show. But, at the time, it was obvious the young man was struggling to control his weight. The singer took the stage in a wheelchair to assist him in performing 'Wind Beneath My Wings.' At the time, Combs was 540 lbs and made a point to promise Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid he would get lose weight, get healthy, and try and drop the wheelchair. The discussion became a huge moment on the show.

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

On the show, Combs discussed his weight situation with producers, saying, "I was bedridden and never came out of the house. 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."

Britney Spears was a judge on the show at the time, and described his voice as "shockingly amazing." He responded, saying, "Receiving four yes's is a yes to my future and a yes to my health."

Freddie's wife says he was diligently working on his weight loss and being healthy over the past 11 years. At one point, he weighed close to 900 pounds but had gotten his weight down to 385lbs before being hospitalized. Obviously, she was very proud of the work he had done to get down to below 400 lbs.

Unfortunately, Kay Combs says she knew he was going to pass away the day before it actually happened and said, "I have so much gratitude to be his wife for 25 years and to be his best friend."

In the end, he was eliminated from the show -- but inspired many with his story. The couple ended up being featured on a 2010 TLC special called 'Ton Of Love' which ultimately landed him a spot on the popular show.

He described the experience, "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. Adding, "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."

R.I.P.