X Factor legend Wagner is unrecognisable 16 years on from his X Factor stint

The X Factor icon Wagner has gone on to live a very colourful life after improbably making it all the way to the quarter-finals on the show.

The retired Brazilian PE teacher made history by being the oldest contestant to make it to the live finals at the age of 53.

Competing on the same series as One Direction in 2010, Wagner, full name Wagner Fiuza-Carrilho, made it to the quarter-finals before being booted off by the judges, a pretty impressive feat for a guy referred to as the show's 'novelty act'.

Matt Cardle went on to win that season, with the iconic Cher Lloyd also beating Wagner.

So where is the operatic diva now?

The former teacher and singer is particularly active on Instagram, where he regularly shares videos of himself hanging out in the gym and appearing in underground wrestling events.

And because of all this time at the gym, Wagner is pretty ripped nowadays and has grown an impressive beard.

He told Fubar Radio last year that he still performs at gigs, with recent performances in London and Brighton under his belt at the time of the interview.

Frequent clips of him signing also show that Wagner's distinctive voice from The X Factor remains unchanged

Wagner previously revealed that he'd moved back to Brazil to set up a hair transplant company in 2023, citing his own barnet as proof that his services would work.

"I love it here but I am going to Brazil to start a hair transplant business," he told The Mirror at the time.

"I’m living proof that hair transplants work. I had mine eight years ago and I haven’t lost anything. I lose more from the beard than my head."

He returned to the UK in December 2024 after just 22 months in Brazil because he 'couldn't stand living there', he told Fubar Radio.

He's also a father since leaving X Factor, welcoming two children with partner Lydia, who is 36 years his junior.

Like all mid-tier celebrities and reality stars from decades past, the 69-year-old is now on social media and offering to make custom videos for loyal fans.

He's also available to record personalised messages, charging £9.99 for a video to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and even a get-well-soon. You can also get a more unique video if you've got a spare £24.98 lying around.

And if you're really willing to splash the cash, you can book Wagner for an event or business meeting, costing £100 for 30 minutes.

Why was Wagner controversial on X Factor?

Wagner's role as the show's 'novelty' contestant was not without controversy, after his fans were accused of attempting to 'derail' the show by Simon Cowell.

"There were people out there trying to derail this show," Cowell said at the time, suggesting that viewers were voting for Wagner to stay in order for him to be the show's unlikely winner.

"We've put this show back in the hands of the public."