The victim's mother called 911 when her daughter didn't return home. But after singing her rendition of Tina Turners Proud Mary, the woman was roundly panned by the shows judges. Detective Robert Bub, of Los Angeles police, said he thought Paula Goodspeed had died of "suicide by overdose". Also, PEOPLE has learned, Goodspeed had changed her first name from Sandra to Paula. He tragically took his life on March 17, 2019. Ms. Woman found dead near Abdul's home - UPI.com Abdul said her life seems to be coming full circle. As one of the finalists on the show, he was part of the American Idol Live! The motive, according to authorities: robbery. Im like, a really big fan. Goodspeed killed herself by overdosing on drugs in her car outside . Julien Hug, a restaurateur featured as a contestant on ABC's The Bachelorette, shot himself n Nov. 2010. How much fun we all had on our very first tour. He was survived by his wife, who he wed in 2007. Goodspeeds mother had gone to [the sheriffs department] to report her daughter missing, and advised them that she might be suicidal, says Los Angeles police Capt. She was found laying in bed with an incision in her neck, and drug toxicity in her veins. "Although our family is suffering with this great loss, we find comfort in the closeness Joanne shared with the Lord," her family wrote in a Facebook post. I love you both tremendously. "It's the typical brother thing that we have. Simon is critical to the show in representing how hard it is to make it in the business, but there is a fine line with constructive criticism, and thats what we always battle about, Paula said. Paula Goodspeed, 30, a Season 5 contender whose audition performance of "Proud Mary" was panned and mocked by the judges, appears to have died of a drug overdose, police say. Jack achieved more than many people could dream of achieving.. Paula Goodspeed, the "American Idol" contestant who was an obsessive fan of Paula Abdul, was found dead in her car near the TV judge's home in an apparent suicide by overdose . She also won the first season of Mo'Nique's Fat Chance pageant in 2005. [POLL], 'American Idol 21' episode 14 recap: Top 12 revealed! American Idol Stars Who Tragically Passed Away. 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You can view more details on Privacy and Policy. Her spokesperson said she also struggled with depression. Cause of death: Died from a rare form of endometrial cancer at age 32. She left the judges speechless with her original song. American Idol - Alexis Cohen Video player from: YouTube (. Alexis Cohen was featured in the auditions episodes of Seasons 7 and 8. On Tuesday night, the body of the 30-year-old aspiring singer was found in a car near Abdul's home in Los Angeles, an apparent suicide victim from what police believe was a drug overdose. Maybe his career didn't flourish the way he expected, but to us, he'll always be a star. He tried to pursue a music career in L.A. but instead moved back home. Sea captain Phil Harris, the star of Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, died in Feb. 2010 at age 53, after suffering a massive stroke while unloading a haul ofcrab in Alaska. Do not avoid these conversations. Watch Access Hollywood Monday and Tuesday nights for more of Paulas interview, and check back here soon to read about Paulas relationship with new Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. The death of Paula Goodspeed is a tragedy, said Gina Serpe and Jason Kennedy in E! This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. While lying in her hospital bed, she teared up but reassured her fans by saying, "I feel good knowing that God is with me. "I think back on all the fun times we had. It was a very tragic, unfortunate, [and] sad, Paula told Billy I was very blessed and lucky to have been at [work at Idols] Hollywood Week when it happened.. Goodspeed's 2005 audition is currently streaming on the Internet, and it's a typically depressing case of a troubled young woman bringing delusions of singing grandeur into the bright and . Jackass star Ryan Dunn and a production assistant on Jackass Number Two were killed when Dunn's Porsche 911 hit a tree in West Goshen Township, Penn. During the recording process, Goodspeed struggled and broke down and cried several times, Faris says, and in the end they finished only one song and left two others incomplete. In March 2013, shooting on Koh-Lanta, the Survivor of France, was cut short after contestant Gerald Babin, 25, died during the first day of filming. Goodspeed's apparent suicide hit Simon Cowell hard. However, there was some stiff competition that season, and Smith fell short to Ruben Studdard. The British judge said the death in November of Paula Goodspeed, 30, a fan of fellow "Idol" judge Paula Abdul who was ridiculed when she tried out in 2005, "hit us like an express train. So when that happens, you're an open target to be followed home. Shain Gandee, the 21-year-old star of MTV's Buckwild was discovered dead, along with his uncle and one other person, in a car found in a remote area of Sissonville, West Virginia, on April 1, 2013. 'Kitchen Nightmares' Restaurateur the Latest Reality TV Tragedy Her career was put on hold when she announced in Oct. 2013 that she was diagnosed with cancer. She was terrified, says the source. Goodspeed, who was born Sandra May McIntyre, died by suicide by a drug overdose. She didn't go there for looks, she went there for vocals. The two had lunch and that day, Abdul said, they collaborated on a song that became a No. Fans of the show adore each winner from their respective seasons, but it's also easy to get attached to some of the contestants who didn't quite make the cut. He confessed to drinking "about six beers" and driving drunk, but his lawyer believed he had been "coerced into confessing," theNY Daily News reported. In 2010, two years afterCorey Haimhad starred opposite lifelong friend Corey Feldman onA&E reality seriesThe Two Coreys,Haim died suddenly at age 38, while living with his mother at the Oakwood Apartments in Burbank. When he said he hadnt, Abdul knew immediately who really sent them: ex-American Idol contestant Paula Goodspeed, according to the source. "We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence," the Idol team wrote on Twitter. Abdul was at the studio at the time the body was found and wasnt aware of it until she was told by the network, her rep says. All rights reserved. We liked looking at the huge condos out there Why they found her dead in her car near Paula Abduls house, I do not know. 11:12 EDT 18 Dec 2008. Riley won his first competition during the battle rounds, then withdrew from the competition. But, ended up withdrawing from the show out of respect to Saunders after his death. The would-be veterinarian wailed Jefferson Airplanes Somebody to Love, much to the judges displeasure. He went into a coma and was taken a hospital where he died three days later. On Nov. 12, 2008, Goodspeed parked her car a few doors down from Abdul's Los Angeles home and, according to Los Angeles police, died from an apparent overdose. I do this for my family. At the time, the 21-year old caretaker from Douglas, Georgia earned his spot on the ABCreality TVcompetition by singing Diamonds for judgesKaty Perry,Lionel RichieandLuke Bryan. She was found inside her car, which was parked near Abdul's home. 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While fans await the Jan. 13 premiere of the new "Idol" season, Abdul is excited for the Dec. 13 launch of her jewelry and accessories line called Forever Your Girl on the Home Shopping Network. Despite Abdul's claims, Cowell insisted he didn't remember her asking producers not to allow Goodspeed to audition. Obsessed Abdul Fan's Autopsy | The Smoking Gun You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. McIntyre confirms that Goodspeed changed her name from Sandra to Paula, but says she did it about 16 years ago and suggests the decision may not have had anything to do with Abdul. They also discuss Jesse Plemons (Love and Death) and Schmigadoon comedy categories. RELATED ARTICLE: 2000: Ending a 15-year obsession, Brooke Shields stalker is arrestedRELATED GALLERY: 2005: Paula finally ends her battle with chronic pain. Her. At first the cause of death was thought to be an accidental drug overdose, but the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office later ruled that Haim's death was due to pneumonia. He was only 23. Mental Health Awareness: 5 Talent Show Contestants Who Tragically Took My heart and prayers go out to her family.. Leah LaBelle finished 12th in American Idol Season 3. She was not just a name and number, with a risk assessment, she was cared for by her family and mental health professionals.. The X Factor judge said he was saddened by the 30-year-old's death, but denied recent claims by Abdul that producers thought it would be 'fun' to allow Goodspeed to audition on the TV talent show in late 2005. Joanne Borgella impressed the judges during American Idol Season 7, reaching the Top 24. The Dark Side of Reality TV: 27 Tragic Deaths Photo: Fitzroy Barrett/Landov; Courtesy Entertainment Tonight/Reuters/Landov, N.J. 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After finding out about the woman's death, Abdul moved out of her Sherman Oaks home and has been staying with friends while she looks for somewhere new to buy. (via People) that Goodspeed "had been writing disturbing letters for 17 years, almost 18 years." [UPDATING LIVE BLOG], Is 'SNL' new tonight (April 29, 2023)? Paula Goodspeed (July 4, 1978 - November 11, 2008) was an American reality TV show contestant and singer best known for her season 5 audition on American Idol.Goodspeed was known for being a fan of singer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul, so much so that she changed her first name to Paula at the age of 16 and modeled her singing career and appearance after her. Shed give the shirt off her back for anyone who needed it. [POLL RESULTS], 'American Idol 21' episode 15 recap: Top 12 perform on 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night'; who was eliminated? I didnt do anything, she said of the suspected suicide. She even had Cowell as her mentor while on the show. Sadly, since the timeAmerican Idoldebuted in 2002,a few contestants have lost their lives in tragic car accidents, while another contender took her own life near one of the judges' homes. I really like Paula Abdul a lot. LaBelle went on to become a successful singer in her own right, and she even signed a deal with Epic Records, according to E! Lets all take a pause to remember those Idol hopefuls who left us too soon. Ive been drawing ever since I was a little kid and my first drawing was of Paula Abdul.. Show history: Smith tried out on Season 11 in 2012 at age 18 during auditions that were held in Colorado. A stand-up comic who frequently addressed his own past as a heroin addict, which led to contracting HIV, Mike DeStefano was featured on season 7 of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Joseph Cerniglia, a restaurateur who faced the withering criticism of Gordon Ramsay on Fox's Kitchen Nightmares in 2007, leaped to his death from the George Washington Bridge in New York in September 2010. Breakdowns, Suicides: The Dark Side of Reality TV - ABC News It. Although Abdul says she never voluntarily met Goodspeed since the audition, Goodspeed told her niece that she had met Abdul about a year ago at Starbucks or something, she says and that Goodspeed was excited she got to meet such a big star.. She was 31 years old. The flower thing was really scary Paula [Abdul] really couldnt handle that. The Florida nativenailed his version of Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" during the third season's competition but was "eliminated before the selection of 12 finalist," according to CNN. But I only remember from what I saw [in news clips]. She placed 12thafter singing The Supremes You Keep Me Hangin On.. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Thats about it, says the niece. 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American Idol 21 predictions: Iam Tongi is early front-runner to win, but who will be eliminated from Top 12? Pro boxer Najai Turpin, a contestant on NBC's The Contender, killed himself in Feb. 2005 while sitting in a car with his girlfriend and 2-year-old daughter. Goodspeeds performance on the show and her fawning over Abdul she took sketches she did of the singer to her audition brought her notoriety in the press . Although somewhat calmer, she got a thumbs down again with Cowell declaring her, horrendous.. Show history: McKibbin appeared on Season 1 of American Idol in 2002, where she ultimately placed third behind runner-up Justin Guarini and winner Kelly Clarkson. American Idolshaped the careers of some of our favorite musicians, including Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, and Kelly Clarkson. Abdul also had numerous orders of protection against Goodspeed, "but come American Idol, when anyone could audition, she showed up.". The ex-husband of Bravo'sReal Housewives of Beverly Hills starTaylor Armstrong, Russell Armstrong was discovered on Aug. 15, 2011, hanging from an orange extension cord tied to a wooden beam in the bedroom of his home onMullholland Drive. A fatty liver, often caused by alcohol abuse, might have also played a part. that's who im the most concerned 4.". In the episode featuring Goodspeed, Cowell said following her audition: 'I don't think any artist on earth could sing with that much metal in your mouth that's like a bridge. "We know her spirit still shines and will continue to live on in heaven. American Idol Contestants You May Not Know Died A former American Idol contestant apparently infatuated with Paula Abdul was found dead Tuesday night in a car near Abduls Los Angeles house. A manhunt for Jenkins followed, and shortly after his body was found hanging by a belt in the Thunderbird Motel in Hope, British Columbia. Cohen especially lashed out at judge Simon Cowell who compared her to Spider-Mans foe, the Green Goblin. I was shocked to hear about her death, I never thought it would come to that, says Faris. And I made life-sized drawings of Paula. And now, the Idol judge claims that it was not the first time the troubled woman had attempted to take her own life near Paulas home. Abdul was at the American Idol studio when Goodspeed was found. 'Ill make a decision next year as to what I do as an onscreen judge because there is a big, big schedule now and I do two other shows, so its been hard. She was in a vehicle driven by her pro-basketball player boyfriend Rasual Butler, who also died. CBS' short-lived, pirate-themed reality show Pirate Master resulted in tragedy when Cheryl Kosewicz, a 35-year-old deputy district attorney from Nevada, committed suicide after being eliminated from the series. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Fan death made "Idol's" Cowell think "long and hard" | Reuters There was some controversy that arose after Paula's death when Abdul said that she objected to Goodspeed's audition when she was aware of Goodspeed's prior stalker-like behaviour, but the . Abdul, 46, claimed last week she had been stalked by Goodspeed for 17 years and she had filed restraining orders against her in the past. please pray for AJ's children. Her death gained international attention, particularly after her family said she had a history of mental illness. He finished in eighth place and took part in the American Idol Live! 1 hit in the United Kingdom for Kylie Minogue. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. During the all-important live shows, he took on Radio (Top 13), Waiting on the World to Change (Top 12), Cant You See (Top 11), Invisible (Top 10), If It Hadnt Been for Love (Top 9), Soulshine and Alright (Top 8 Part 1), Free Fallin' and I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (Top 8 Part 2) and Gravity (Top 7). Joyce and Chris tackle the highs and lows of each show and see how the winners aged. We invited them there and then they show up at our house for a cocktail party and Simon goes, What the hell are you doing here? But the thing is, their talent does not warrant, you suck, because these are talented kids.. She had been a stalker from [awhile back.] "We are sorry to hear of the passing of Haley Smith and our thoughts and prayers are with her family," a rep for the show told Entertainment Weekly. I do this for me, but not only for me, Spence said at his audition in San Diego. I can't even imagine if I was right there in my home. Burdett did not answer the door, or phone. She crashed her motorcycle in Millinocket, Maine on Aug. 31, 2019. Paula Goodspeed Sent Abdul Flowers Days Before Suicide Her time in the spotlight was far from over, though. "I said, 'I'm serious, I'll move you into my house,'" Abdul said. The cause of Goodspeed's death will not be determined until the results of toxicology tests come back, Winter added. Abdul on Fan Suicide: 'Been a Very Tough Three Weeks for Me' Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Daniel Bark was later apprehended in connection with the crime, according to the Ashbury Park Journal (via MTV). The media outlet reports Abdul wasn't at home. He didnt have depression. ", Abdul said DioGuardi approached her 10 years ago outside of a diner and asked "Are you Paula Abdul?". An obsessed fan of American Idol and star Paula Abdul, Paula Goodspeed had her first name legally changed to that of her hero. Heres my new cell number.. Instead, it was the aftermath of her audition that made the highlight reel. She died in her car, parked outside Abdul's home in Sherman Oaks, California. Raiola had been a main character on the VH1 show since 2012. The show was in production on its second season. So, basically, Lynche was already well-known when he auditioned for the FOX singing competition. He was consumed by depression, skipping doctor appointments, going on drug binges. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. This just goes to show that even people who might seem like they have it all, dont feel like they do. Gold Derby is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Your email address will not be published. Its always a hard thing to see someone you look up to take their own life. Spence finished second in Season 19 and impressed audiences with his passionate performances. Excerpts of the coroner's report, which was released. Paula Goodspeed, the former "American Idol" contestant who was found dead near Paula Abdul's home earlier this week, may have died from an "overdose," authorities have confirmed to Access Hollywood. This has been ruled an apparent suicide, said LAPD officer April Harding. All rights reserved. Before Spence's death, the most recent Idol contestant who passed away was Nikki McKibbin. Baker was featured in auditions filmed in Puerto Rico. Death 11 Nov 2008 (aged 30) Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles County, California, USA . She was 30 and had been obsessed with Abdul since she was 12 years old. "I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired," Abdul says of the apparent suicide of Paula Goodspeed. So the last few years have been a little tough.'. This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. My address was announced and [it was shown] how you could get into my house.. Billy asked Paula if she felt any guilt surrounding Goodspeeds death. He said: 'All youve got to say is "Stop filming, I need to speak with the producers." Ex-Idol Contestant Found Dead Outside Paula Abdul's House Everything to Know About American Idol Top 12 Artist Nutsa Buzaladze, Former AGT Host, TV Icon Jerry Springer Dead at 79, Everything to Know About American Idol Top 12 Artist Lucy Love. He left the show to join rehab, and get his substance abuse under control. 15 Most Dangerous Celebrity Stalkers In History | TheRichest Show history: Born Sandra May McIntyre, she didn't make it past the.