by Todd Betzold

 

Freddie Combs weighed almost 1,000 pounds and decided that enough was enough and decided that he needed to do something about it. Since then, he has 400 pounds and came to The X Factor stage weighing 540 pounds and needing to be wheeled out by his wife to audition. He made it through to Boot Camp and last we saw he struggled with the lyrics during his battle. Today, he talked with RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about his weight, his wife, Boot Camp and much more.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What made you initially try out for The X Factor?
A. Freddie: In 2010 we did with TLC and because of that I was contacted by a producer from RTL Television is Europe and we did a documentary for European television. He is the one who encouraged me to try out. He actually set the interview up. I interviewed initially in Nashville and he was the one who encouraged me to audition.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: I was going to ask about that show on TLC and it showed you in a different light than what we saw of you on The X Factor. You were shown being not nice and demeaning to your wife on TLC show, but then you said she is the closest thing to an angel on X Factor. Would you like to clear up that?
A. Freddie: My wife is the next closest thing to an angel and saint that I do know. I will say that reality TV is reality TV and the TLC thing is nothing like who I am.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What was it like going on the stage for your audition, knowing the judges and audience would be judging you and your weight?
A. Freddie: I was very excited. 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. 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. That made me a little nervous, but my wife encouraged me to do it and I went ahead and did it and I'm very glad that I did it.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What was it like seeing your audition on TV?
A. Freddie: That was neat to see the audition on TV because, obviously I did the audition, but I didn't really see it. It was nice to see how things went and the reaction of people and to see what the judges had to say again. That was nice.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: During Boot Camp, it looked like you struggled during the battle and forgot your lyrics. What was your issue at that time?
A. Freddie: My issue was forgetting the words. I had a bout of exhaustion. In fact, I was transferred to exhaustion right after that. It was a very long week. Boot Camp is very tiring, especially for me. I'm not like everyone else and I tried my best to keep up with everybody. I was very tired. I did finish my part of the song and it was a pleasure to duet with Jessie (Bryant).

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: If you were to make it past Boot Camp, what mentor would you like to work with and why them?
A. Freddie: It is a tossup between Simon and L.A. I really appreciate the things they had to say to me and they were very encouraging to me, so those would be the two I would want to work with.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What has this whole experience meant to you so far?
A. Freddie: It's very strange to go to sleep one night and wake up the next morning and you're basically all over the internet and newspapers and have all kinds of interviews. That's really weird. I have enjoyed it and it's been great. I've got to meet a lot of nice people. I've got to help a lot of people. I've had people that are very obese contact me from their home on Facebook. They are in their home, bound like I used to be and they are actually asking me on how to lose weight, which I find extremely comical because I never thought I would be one giving that kind of information or giving that kind of advice. It also helped me to realize that I have accomplished something and that it's no small feat. I did lose weight and it helps me to not just be an inspiration to people and show them they can accomplish their dreams, but I can help people who have been where I have actually from. That's encouraging to me.

 

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: Anything to say to your fans out there reading this?
A. Freddie: Keep watching and continue to give a fat boy a chance.

 

The X Factor airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

Follow Todd on Twitter @tbetzold