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Freddie Combs, a minister who gained notoriety for competing in the second season of Fox‘s The X Factor, died on Friday, Sept. 10 at the age of 49.
Combs famously received four yeses from the show’s judges for his audition, an incredible rendition of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which he dedicated to his wife Katrina.
According to Combs’ public obituary, he died after battling a “brief illness,” while TMZ reports kidney failure as his official cause of death.
“Freddie is survived by his wife, Katrina (Kay) Combs, parents Leslie & Nancy Rife, sisters Carrie Rife, Kristina (Andrew) Boggs and nephew Colin Boggs,” the obituary reads. “Freddie spent most of his life in ministry preaching the gospel and singing praises to his Lord Jesus Christ. He has touched countless lives and their ministry will continue to do so.”
In addition to the three episodes of The X Factor on which Combs appeared, he and his wife were featured in a 2010 TLC special called Ton of Love, which documented his weight-loss struggle.
The U.S. version of The X Factor aired for three seasons (2011–2013) on Fox. During the course of its run, the judges’ panel hosted the likes of Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Cheryl, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio.
Do you remember Combs’ run on the show? Hit PLAY on a video of his stunning audition below, then drop a comment with your thoughts.
Wow, so sad, gone way too soon, RIP.
Your voice is Heavenly you were gone way before your time too soon rest in peace fly high much love and prayers for the family
So sorry for your lost, but Jesus needs that voice to sing around his throne. Rest easy Mr combs Jesus got you and to rest of family stay strong in Jesus.
Wot a beautiful beautiful voice my heart ❤️ goes out to the family he will be with the angels we were blessed to hear him sing god bless xxxx
Soo sad, how is it that you can love someone without even knowing them or have met them . Sir you are an angel in heaven, your in your Father’s arms. Much much love to your family. Rest in peace and sing away in the Kingdom of God. I love you.
💖
Mr Comb,You touch my heart of your wonderful voice. Rest in peace.Amen.
R.I.P FREDDIE
Omg can’t put into words how that performance made me feel, voice was unbelievable, such a remarkable man .I’m so sorry to have heard of this sad news R.I.P my thoughts to all family and friends 😢, and thank you for letting us share the joy of hearing your amazing voice ❤❤❤❤
MAY GOD BLESS MINISTER COMBS PRECIOUS BEAUTIFUL SOUL AND HIS
BEAUTIFUL VOICE
Wow what a voice so sad he’s gone from
This world !But Jesus wanted his grace in heaven praising him for ever
RIH, your singing with the Angels now, condolences to his family.
Wow so anointed
Beautiful Soul!
Brilliant voice
What a waste of a fantastic talent.
God bless x
An amazing person and he’ll of a voice R I P and thank-you for sharing your amazing voice
Fly high Freddie .Your home now Rip
RIP BIG GUY.
Awesome just Awesome
R.I.P🙏🎸🎶😪
He is now singing with the angels
Beautiful voice. May he Rest In Peace.
With Respect.. RIP Freddie. Fly high with God’s angels
Sincer condolences to your dear wife and all the family…
Dear Mr. Andy Swift,
Thank you for writing this article and honoring Freddie Combs and his huge talent. May he rest in peace. I need to advise you that the word “notoriety” is defined as being known for some bad quality or deed. Mr. Combs is surely not to be remembered as doing anything bad. As a writer I needed to inform you of this. The words “notorious” and “notoriety” have been misused extensively in recent years by writers and news reporters.
RIP. TOO BAD AND TOO SOON.
I see a Beautiful Soul. May he be at peace. He has earned his Wings. My condolences to his Family.
Strong vocals, tribute to his wife.
Wow! Such a beautiful voice singing a beautiful rendition of one of my all time favorites.
This bought tear to my voice to hear him sing it so beautifully.
My sincere condolences to Freddie’s family, friends and all who love him. May the good Lord give them comfort during this sad time.