540lbs 'X-Factor' Hopeful Freddie Combs Wows Judges (VIDEO)
Freddie Combs, a 41-year-old "X-Factor" hopeful, wowed judges with his rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings" during his audition which aired Thursday night.
The 540lbs North Carolina resident, who is wheelchair bound due to his excessive weight, appeared on stage with his wife and shared a heartbreaking story about his weight struggles before dedicating the song to her.
"I was bedridden and never came out of the house," Combs told the crowd.
He came close to death two years ago when he weighed 920lbs before shedding 400lbs by using a combination of diet and exercise.
"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.," he went on.
Combs' performance sat well with the judges, who initially appeared to be skeptical. L.A. Reid, a prominent figure in the music industry, praised Combs' voice as "heavenly" and pop singer Britney Spears described it as being "shockingly amazing."
Simon Cowell, who is renowned for his critical and often blunt judging methods, also applauded Combs' performance and gave him an ultimatum to shed the weight in order to secure a place in the next round.
"I don't believe you deserve to be stuck in this chair. I'll back you if you back yourself," Cowell said before granting him access to the next round of auditions.
"Receiving four yes's is a yes to my future and a yes to my health," said Freddie.
Other hopefuls who gave memorable performances were Trevor Moran, a 13-year-old boy who sang LMFAO's hit song "Sexy and I Know It;" 16-year-old Lauren Jauregui who sang Alicia Keys' "If I Aint Got You;" and 16-year-old Owen Stuart who sang "Airplanes."
