A 40-year-old minister – Freddie Combs took the stage on X Factor last night and his story is one that has very little to do with his voice.  Oh, he can sing (as you’ll see and hear below) but the fact that he was actually on the stage is the most amazing part.

Back in 2009, Combs weighed 920 pounds.  I know, it’s a number that is hard to even understand.

However, after almost dying – he made some significant changes in his life and through a regimen of diet and exercise he got down to 540 pounds.  That’s a loss of almost 400 pounds! What kind of dedication must exist within you in order to accomplish that?  Shocking.

Add to that – the confidence to hit the X Factor stage in front of thousands of people AND sing?!?! 

Well, sing he did.

He has an incredible voice, but I’m not convinced that he has a “pop” music sound.  However, we’ll get to see where it goes because he snagged a yes from every judge last night and he’s headed to the boot camp episodes.

Meanwhile, in a similar fashion to last year’s contestant Chris Rene who was encouraged to stay sober…

…Simon Cowell challenged Combs to continue to get healthy enough to sing standing up next time instead of in his wheelchair.

If THAT happens, forget about it – there won’t be a dry eye in the house – OR – watching at home!

Follow X Factor on Twitter at @TheXFactorUSA and me at @PJonCHYM