American Idol Contestant Shows up Dead at Paula Abdul’s House

Paula Goodspeed, and American Idol contestant during the show’s fifth season, was found dead outside of Paula Abdul’s house on Tuesday evening. Goodspeed, who was 30 years old and reportedly obsessed with the 1980s pop star, apparently died of a drug overdose. Los Angeles police Captain James Miller, describing the events that transpired, noted, "Ms. Goodspeed’s mother had gone to report her daughter missing, and advised them that she might be suicidal. The sheriffs determined that Ms. Goodspeed may be up in the vicinity by Paula Abdul’s house. Our officers discovered her vehicle parked on the street, and found her inside. She was unresponsive to officers."

While the death has been ruled a suicide, evidence in the car in question indicates an unhealthy obsession with Abdul, including a license plate reading "ABL LV" and a picture of the pop star-cum-Idol judge hanging from the rearview mirror. For her part, Abdul expressed her condolences, noting "I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired yesterday. My heart and prayers go out to her family."

Goodspeed’s appearance on Idol is best remembered for her rendition of Tina Turner’s version of "Proud Mary." Side note to entertainment writers out there – Tina Turner DID NOT originally perform Proud Mary. That distinction goes to Credence Clearwater Revival. Upon finishing the song, Goodspeed was roundly criticized by judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, the latter of whom said "I don’t know how you can sing with all that metal in your mouth," apparently referring to Goodspeed’s braces. Abdul was the only judge who remained noncommittal in her remarks, noting that she was "Speechless, don’t know what to say."