Abdul said her life seems to be coming full circle. Her. Woman found dead near Abdul's home - UPI.com 15 Most Dangerous Celebrity Stalkers In History | TheRichest Instead of singing beneath bright lights in large stadiums, part of Smith's job at Coach's Bricktown, a local sports bar, was to sing "Happy Birthday" to customers. E Kelley, Elizabeth Olsen Love and Death HBO MAX, "La Loto by TINI, Becky G and Anitta is eligible fo", "Me switching from 390 shows for the 8th slot just to end up bein", 2023 Emmy Predictions: Drama Categories (Part 9), "Amazing. He explained: 'I dont remember to be honest with you. Also, PEOPLE has learned, Goodspeed had changed her first name from Sandra to Paula. When Rickey Smith appeared on Season 2 in 2003, he knocked our socks off as he channeled the Motown era. Oh my god she changed her name for you, and I saw her name, I got really nervous. Paula said of Goodspeed. She placed 12thafter singing The Supremes You Keep Me Hangin On.. Stalker: Paula Goodspeed - Former "American Idol" contestant who pronounced her love for the "X-Factor" judge at a 2006 audition - Reportedly died from an apparent suicide outside Abdul's home. Paula Goodspeed Died: November 11, 2008 Cause of death: Suicide via drug overdose at age 30 in Sherman Oaks, California. The cause of Goodspeed's death will not be determined until the results of toxicology tests come back, Winter added. In a Facebook video, Borgella said it was an "unexpected"and "rare case" that had "spread to [her] chest." You can view more details on Privacy and Policy. An obsessed fan of American Idol and star Paula Abdul, Paula Goodspeed had her first name legally changed to that of her hero. I didnt do anything, she said of the suspected suicide. Riley won his first competition during the battle rounds, then withdrew from the competition. "I said, 'I'm serious, I'll move you into my house,'" Abdul said. Joyce and Chris tackle the highs and lows of each show and see how the winners aged. The show was in production on its second season. However, there was some stiff competition that season, and Smith fell short to Ruben Studdard. He tragically took his life on March 17, 2019. She was quickly nicknamed Glitter Girl by the shows fans. Whos your Favorite Star Under 35? He became close to that years winner, Ruben Studdard. When plus-size model Joanne Borgella began singing Celine Dion's "I Love You" in Season 7, it was clear she was Idol material. Murder, Suicide, Overdoses! 30 Reality TV Stars Who Suffered Tragic Deaths Woman found dead outside Paula Abdul's home - Los Angeles Times She said: 'She has been a stalker-fan for about 17 years and it wasn't until American Idol that she knew how to get to me. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. The Bachelor cast member Gia Allmand died tragically in August 2013 at age 29 "following an apparent suicide attempt," a statement from her family read. 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. But that didnt stop her from obsessing over Idol judge Paula Abdul, even changing her name to Paula at age 16 and emulating her performing style. Paula said her life has dramatically changed since the tragic event in November. 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. Cause of death: Suicide via drug overdose at age 30 in Sherman Oaks, California. American Idol will return for its 21st season next year on ABC. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. 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. Peoplemagazine would later confirm Lynche died from "acute chronic alcoholism. All About Kara Robinson, Whose Daring Escape from Captivity Led to Her Predator's Capture, 2005: Paula finally ends her battle with chronic pain. You were the heart of our season and the true definition of a real friend.. She also won the first season of Mo'Nique's Fat Chance pageant in 2005. [Im] living with security full time now, its just different. 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. Idol Family Forever.". Paula Goodspeed - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki 'Heart and prayers' Abdul said after the song that she was "speechless" and "that's not a great thing. She was cheery. Now, theres access to follow me home and I [had] a really scary situation and its time for me to move. Sandra Mae "Paula" Goodspeed (1978-2008) - Find a During the last few weeks of his life, he was going between friends homes, rehab facilities, psychiatric wards, and hotels. She was a sweet person, very nice, but a little insecure.. ", "Idol" judge Simon Cowell made fun of Goodspeed's braces. News. Armstrong was deeply in debt at the time of his death, and allegations of spousal abuse were about to hit the tabloids. 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. A post shared by Simone Battle (@simonebattle). "I wasn't ready to accept the fact that I had to come back and give up music," he told USA Today in 2008. McKibbin performed on American Idol when the show was beginning to develop huge audiences for its episodes. Her death was covered by such major outlets as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly and Newsweek. TMZ reports Smith was just 36-years-old. Meanwhile, Cowell also addressed his future career plans, which may include stepping down as a judge on the hit U.S. show American Idol. Her death gained international attention, particularly after her family said she had a history of mental illness. So when that happens, you're an open target to be followed home. It was his musical upbringing that contributed to his raw talent. Paula Abdul hits out at American Idol producers for allowing 'stalker And I made life-sized drawings of Paula. Whats even more sad about this story is that her group, G.R.L. I happened to be in New York when I heard about it., Goodspeed auditioned for Idol in February 2006, dressed in pink, and with a mouth full of braces, she proclaimed, You have to have a certain personality to pull my look off., I really like Paula Abdul a lot, Goodspeed said on the show. Do not avoid these conversations. Paula Abdul fanatic Paula Godspeed found dead near singer's home Its a wonderful night for Oscar, whenever you watch! In October 2014, Borgella died from a rare form of endometrial cancer, which spread to her brain. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. 11:12 EDT 18 Dec 2008. He released the album Hold Back My Heart and an EP entitled, Love and Sex. Some of his cast mates included our favs, like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Ryan Gosling. The sheriffs determined that Ms. Goodspeed may be up in the vicinity by Paula Abduls house. Her parents, who reported her missing the same day, had previously told sheriffs that they thought she would be at Abduls house. We use this field to verify if the person is not a bot and wont leave spam comments on the website. 'America's Got Talent' Winners: Where Are They Now? Copyright 2022 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. During that same audition, Cowell also said he saw a resemblance between Goodspeed and her idol Abdul. Iconic! The death was featured on the series, followed by a special tribute episode. The Orange County coroner's office told People Johns died of natural causes "as the result of a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged." An obsessed fan of American Idol and star Paula Abdul, Paula Goodspeed had her first name legally changed to that of her hero. The car was found near the singer's home. Over the last three years since Goodspeed was dismissed from her disastrous Idol audition with derisive comments from judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson Abdul has received more than 100 letters, numerous phone calls and uninvited visits from Goodspeed, the source says. He was doing some shallow water shots for his daughter Bindi's TV show, Bindi the Jungle Girl, when a stingray pierced his chest with its tail spine. Friends and family of the reality star believed that she intended to end her life. After singing Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody To Love" in Season 7, Simon Cowell said he didn't think "this competition" was "the route" for her, which prompted Cohen to leave the judging room and fly into a tirade. The cause of death was suicide by drug overdose at age 30. American Idol Stars Who Tragically Passed Away - Nicki Swift Simon Cowell reveals his 'regret' over American Idol contestant's According to ABC News, the 30-year-old died from an apparent overdose in Nov. 2008. Ms. In the days following her death, her family hit out the Idol judges. 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.. He began a music career in Los Angeles, but moved back to Oklahoma when that did not pan out. 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. She was cut in the top 30 round, but Paula Abdul used her wildcard selection to advance her to the top 12. Sadly, in 2008, Goodspeed was found dead in her car outside Abdul's Sherman Oaks, California home. How much fun we all had on our very first tour. You know, [she] had attempted to do that a few months prior, Paula continued. Perhaps they didn't wow the judges with their talents, but they're still beloved, either for their powerhouse vocals, or for their over-the-top personalities. "It's the typical brother thing that we have. She was 30 and had been obsessed with Abdul since she was 12 years old. A helicopter crash in February 2013 claimed the lives of three people involved the shooting of an "untitled military project" for Discovery Channel in Acton, Calif. Burruss, a successful songwriter and producer behind hits like TLC's "No Scrubs" and Pink's "Can't Take Me Home," tweeted at the time, " I could never n a million years imagine this happening. According to reports, he was driving eastbound on Interstate 24 in a 2019 Jeep Cherokee when he went off the road and crashed into the back of a tractor trailer that was stopped on the shoulder around 4 p.m. local time. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 7 'American Idol' Stars That Have Tragically Died - from Paula "We are all heartbroken," the message stated. Her. Ex-Idol Contestant Found Dead Outside Paula Abdul's House If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Paula said the tragic event in November has made her home vulnerable to future disturbed fans. He went into a coma and was taken a hospital where he died three days later. He was 44. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. Our officers discovered her vehicle parked on the street, and found her inside. 'My regret in all of this is that we didn't know how troubled this person was. Breakdowns, Suicides: The Dark Side of Reality TV - ABC News [UPDATING LIVE BLOG], I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Winners List: All 22 Champs in Chronological Order [PHOTOS], Emmy spotlight: 'Yellowjackets' costume designer Amy Parris deserves first nomination for that gnarly winter gear, Box office: Super Mario Bros. approaches $500 million and enters all-time Top 20, American Idol Top 12: Who gave the best performance on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night? This is why the celebrity world takes a major hit when reality show contestants pass away way too soon. When I heard from [Idol creator] Nigel [Lythgoe], Wait til you see this next girl! Here are the American Idol stars who tragically passed away. 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. But a coroners report ultimately ruled that the cause was a heart disease known as dilated cardiomyopathy. Its always a hard thing to see someone you look up to take their own life. Her time in the spotlight was far from over, though. 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. Her career was put on hold when she announced in Oct. 2013 that she was diagnosed with cancer. Obsessed Abdul Fan's Autopsy | The Smoking Gun Before her death, her landlord went to her home after concerns of her welfare. The victim's mother called 911 when her daughter didn't return home. All rights reserved. Paula Abdul Opens Up About Stalker's Suicide | Access Online When the show made Abdul aware of a contestant who was "crazy about" her, she objected. Tour our photo gallery below for a closer look at all of the American Idol deaths. She just liked the name Paula, she says. Cause of death was found to be cardiac arrest. How we set up for hours in our room in the Idol Mansion talking and listening to music. Plus, a relative disputes the stalker label, and a producer recalls the Idol hopeful's determination, Last week, Paula Abdul got flowers with a note signed, Love, J.T. and the message, Hope youre doing great. She spends her spare time shooting astro, nature, and portrait photography, and coming up with movie ideas that she hopes to make into a film someday. American Idol 21 episode 15 recap: Top 12 perform on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night; who was eliminated? If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). "I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired," Abdul says of the apparent suicide of Paula Goodspeed. Cause of death: Smith died at age 26 in a motorcycle accident in Millinocket, Maine. Show history: Born Sandra May McIntyre, she didn't make it past the. Goodspeed's death reignited the debate over whether the judging on "American Idol" can be too harsh. Why a Paula Abdul fan died | The Week ", "I've got to tell you, luckily for me, I was at Hollywood week for 'American Idol' when it happened. But before he leaves, he plans to get Britney Spears on the show, despite her disappointing performance on this year's X Factor. At the time, Reuters reported that prescription pills, along with CDs and pictures of Abdul, were found in the car. At first reports said he died from a blood clot after suffering an ankle injury. 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. The most recent tragedy struck in early October 2022 when Willie Spence died in a car accident in Tennessee. By ", She continued to update her Facebook with news of her chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was showered with love each step of the way. Five months later, Fiore's body was discovered, badly beaten, missing teeth and fingertips, and stuffed inside a suitcase left in a dumpster in an alley in Buena Park, Calif. She was identified by the serial numbers on her breast implants. Dunn, who was 34 at the time of his death, was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.196 percent more than twice the legal limit and was traveling between 132 and 140 miles per hour when the car crashed. Jewell, the fiance of Real Housewives of AtlantastarKandiBurruss,was fatally shot during a brawl at an Atlanta nightclub in Dec. 2009. She didn't go there for looks, she went there for vocals. Death 11 Nov 2008 (aged 30) Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles County, California, USA . Paula Abdul's life - chronic pain, death outside home, American Idol Heres my new cell number.. Show history: The warm and ingratiating Smith, who had worked as a school teacher, competed on Season 2 in 2003. He was 36 years old. I feel awful and don't know how to cope. tour that year. Goodspeed, who was born Sandra May McIntyre, died by suicide by a drug overdose. Goodspeed auditioned for "American Idol" in 2005 and her off-key rendition of "Proud Mary" was ridiculed by judges. 'Prior to that, it was always through a fan club. I went through a very rough time of feeling like she wanted my attention so much I shed a lot of tears. Steve Irwin, the internationally beloved Australian wildlife expert and star of Animal Planet'sThe Crocodile Hunter,died in September 2006 near Port Douglas, Queensland, while snorkeling at Batt Reef, where he was shooting Ocean's Deadliest. 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. Cause of death: Died at age 35. Her performance of Total Eclipse of the Heart in the semi-finals sent her through to the live shows. A native of Evergreen Park, Ill., Joey Kovar was scouted on a Chicago street and cast in MTV'sThe Real World: Hollywood, where he battled drug and alcohol addiction until he was eventually asked to leave the series. It was a tough pill to swallow. She also shot Wilson's dog. She had overdosed on prescription pills, and her death was ruled a suicide. Detective Robert Bub, of Los Angeles police, said he thought Paula Goodspeed had died of "suicide by overdose". Kovar died in Aug. 2012 at the age of 29; an autopsy revealed that he succumbed to "opiate intoxication.". That's rude. that's who im the most concerned 4.". According to Paula, this was not the first time Goodspeed had come to Paulas house to attempt to end her life. [But] when I saw the clips back on the news I remembered it.'. She was a good person. (via People) that Goodspeed "had been writing disturbing letters for 17 years, almost 18 years." Paula Goodspeed, 30, died last November after overdosing on Prozac and two other drugs, including one prescribed to treat schizophrenia. Her spokesperson said she also struggled with depression. This just goes to show that even people who might seem like they have it all, dont feel like they do. After eight days the landlord returned and found her dead. Authorities easily recognized her since she was notorious for stalking Abdul. Cohen especially lashed out at judge Simon Cowell who compared her to Spider-Mans foe, the Green Goblin. Simon Cowell commented about how he had wished he wouldve helped her during her Idol time in an interview in 2008. PEOPLE.com and the Peoples Choice Awards are counting your votes! After his time on the show came to an end, Smith remained in Los Angeles to kickstart his career, according toUs Weekly. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Simon Cowell has spoken of his 'regret' following the suicide of troubled American Idol contestant Paula Goodspeed. She auditioned for American Idol in 2006, and has been found dead outside Paula Abdul's home. When asked today on "GMA" whether she thought the judging on the show should be "rethought," Abdul said, "I don't think Simon Cowell will rethink anything. Cohen was 25 at the time of her death. He sent the tracks to the singing coach, and that was the last time I worked with Paula, he says. Paula Goodspeed, 30, whose off-key version of "Proud Mary" drew a thumbs down from Abdul and scorn from Simon Cowell in the 2006 tryout, was found dead in her Toyota on Tuesday night after her mom . Show history: Born Sandra May McIntyre, she didnt make it past the Season 5 auditions. Show history: The Jasper, Alabama native competed on American Idol Season 13 in 20014. American Idol 21 predictions: Iam Tongi is early front-runner to win, but who will be eliminated from Top 12? He soared through the competition by impressing viewers with his gospel-infused vocals each week. Paula died in her car outside of Paula's home on November 11, 2008. It is believed Goodspeed was an obsessed fan of the pop star. On November 11, 2008 she was found dead of an apparent drug overdose outside of Paula Abduls house, with CDs and pictures of Abdul that were found in the car. Torregiani, Abdul called him asking why he had changed his number, a source close to Abdul tells PEOPLE. Im like, a really big fan. 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. Stars From American Idol You Didn't Know Died It was there that his life did a 180. Signs of Goodspeeds infatuation with Abdul included her cars personalized license plate ABL LV and a photo of Abdul hanging from the rearview mirror. Looking back, Paula said she wished Goodspeeds appearance on the show had gone better, especially with her fellow judge Simon Cowell. On November 11, 2008 she was found dead of an apparent drug overdose outside of Paula Abdul's house, with CDs and pictures of Abdul that were found in the car. She was found inside her car, which was parked near Abdul's home. 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The Toronto, Ontario native had a brief recording deal in 2011 with L.A. Reid's Epic Records. I happened to be in New York when I heard about it., Goodspeed auditioned for Idol in February 2006, dressed in pink, and with a mouth full of braces, she proclaimed, You have to have a certain personality to pull my look off., I really like Paula Abdul a lot, Goodspeed said on the show. Second best episode of the season. News, falling toFantasia Barrinowho was crowned the winner. Goodspeed, 30, was found dead Nov. 11 of an apparent suicide. His mother opened up to The Mirror and talked about how she had no idea her son was struggling. Rest in peace Michael.". You know, [she] had attempted to do that a few months prior, Paula continued. Thats about it, says the niece. Cause of death: Injuries suffered in a car crash in Studio City, California at age 31. Copyright 2022 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. They also discuss Jesse Plemons (Love and Death) and Schmigadoon comedy categories. Show history: Spence was the runner-up of Season 19 to Chayce Beckham. 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.. American Idol Contestants You May Not Know Died Cohen auditioned again in Season 8, attempting to sing Like a Prayer by Madonna. But I dont believe my aunt killed herself., Ed Faris, a producer/songwriter in Los Angeles, worked with Goodspeed on her fledgling singing career around 2005 or 2006, and remembered her as a bit off the wall., I was hired by her singing coach to help Paula record some songs, he says. It's just been a very, very tough three weeks for me and for her family and for everyone involved.". My stepfather is a great singer too. [UPDATING LIVE BLOG], Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Winners List: All 22 Champs in Chronological Order [PHOTOS], Emmy spotlight: Yellowjackets costume designer Amy Parris deserves first nomination for that gnarly winter gear. Speaking to veteran American broadcaster Barbara Walters on her Sirius radio show later that night, Abdul elaborated on her anger against the producers. Raiola had been a main character on the VH1 show since 2012. And the thing is, that all she could do was get a hold of me through my fan club.. I really like Paula Abdul a lot. Because the truth of the matter is we brought them there. ", Abdul said DioGuardi approached her 10 years ago outside of a diner and asked "Are you Paula Abdul?". A manhunt for Jenkins followed, and shortly after his body was found hanging by a belt in the Thunderbird Motel in Hope, British Columbia. Its a different thing, she added. Despite some reports of tension between the two women, DioGuardi and Abdul have been friends for years. 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. 20:35 EDT 17 Dec 2008 Gallery originally published February 2019. Abdul also had numerous orders of protection against Goodspeed, "but come American Idol, when anyone could audition, she showed up.". By Daniel S. Levine The cause of death may be a drug overdose according to TMZ.com. She signed up with Wilhelmina Models and appeared on the show Curvy Girls in 2013. Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. ", Abdul, 46, has been in and out of the spotlight for more than two decades. Paula, originally, Sandra Goodspeed was found dead in her car, parked close to Abdul's house in what appeared to be a case of suicide. Im a really big fan, and I made life-sized drawings of Paula. Johns left behind a wife, Stacey, whom he married in 2007, and a legion of fans and admirers, includingCowell, whotweeted,"A truly great guy. Baker was featured in auditions filmed in Puerto Rico. According to PEOPLE, the medical examiners office in Philadelphia said that the death was a suicide by hanging. In a new interview with Access Hollywoods Billy Bush, Paula Abdul says she is still deeply affected by the death of Paula Goodspeed, the former American Idol contestant who committed suicide near Abduls home in November. HostsJoyce Eng andChristopher Rosen recap every Oscar ceremony of the 1990s as well as some added bonus shows. I didnt do anything, she said of the suspected suicide. It is said that Goodspeed sent Abdul a bouquet of flowers before killing herself.