The X Factor US contestant Freddie Combs has sadly died at the age of 49 from kidney failure.

The singer became a star from Simon Cowell’s US edition of the talent competition, where he wowed the judges with his dulcet tones on the huge stage.

Freddie died at a hospital in Florida according to US publication TMZ.

He was surrounded by his family and friends. The singer’s wife Kay paid tribute to her beloved husband as she told the website that she is so thankful to have had 25 years with Freddie.

"I have so much gratitude to be his wife for 25 years and to be his best friend,” Kay said, but unfortunately said she’d known he was going to pass the day before he actually did.

The X Factor contestant had been fighting to lose all of his excess weight for the last 11 years, after reaching 64 stone at his peak.

a person that is on fire: THE X FACTOR: Contestant Eddie Combs performs in front of the judges on an all new episode of THE X FACTOR airing Thursday, September 27, 2012 (8:00-9:00PM ET/PT) on FOX. (Photo by FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)

© getty THE X FACTOR: Contestant Eddie Combs performs in front of the judges on an all new episode of THE X FACTOR airing Thursday, September 27, 2012 (8:00-9:00PM ET/PT) on FOX. (Photo by FOX 

But the star managed to turn his life around and ended up losing 37 stone in total.

Freddie had also devoted his life to being a minister, but when he belted out Wind Beneath My Wings on The X Factor he was an instant favourite with viewers.

Simon and fellow judge L.A. Reid told Freddie at the time that they would support him on his journey if he promised them he’d lose weight and get out of his wheelchair.

Despite his determination to do just that, the contestant was knocked out of the competition shortly after.

Freddie, who was originally from the state of North Carolina, opened up on his struggles before his audition.

"I was bedridden and never came out of the house," he said in a prerecorded interview. "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."

After his powerful audition, Simon had told him: "I don't believe you deserve to be stuck in this chair. I'll back you if you back yourself."

Britney Spears, a judge at the time, also praised the contestant for his "shockingly amazing" voice.