RELATED GALLERY: 2005: Paula finally ends her battle with chronic pain. 'Prior to that, it was always through a fan club. 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. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. His set list included I Was Here (Showstopper), Wind Beneath My Wings (Top 24), The Prayer (Top 24), Set Fire to the Rain (Top 16), Diamonds (Top 16), Stand Up (Top 12), Circle of Life (Top 10), Yellow (Top 7), You Are So Beautiful (Top 7), Glory (Top 4), What Theyll Say Bout Us (Top 4), Georgia On My Mind (Finale) and A Change is Gonna Come (Finale). Ive been drawing ever since I was a little kid and my first drawing was of Paula Abdul., VIEW THE PHOTOS: David Archuleta Comes To Access. 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. 'I can't point fingers at them and say they knew everything about this person, because I don't genuinely think that was the case. She signed up with Wilhelmina Models and appeared on the show Curvy Girls in 2013. This singer was 28 years-old when he was found dead in the basement of his Philadelphia apartment building. Jack achieved more than many people could dream of achieving.. The Bachelor season 14 contestant Lex McAllister, pictured at the far right, died at the age of 31 on Feb. 16 of an apparent overdose on prescription pills. 1. Paula Goodspeed did not make it past the auditions in Season 5. 'America's Got Talent' Winners: Where Are They Now? She was one of the first Idol singers, having appeared in the show's first season. Now, theres access to follow me home and I [had] a really scary situation and its time for me to move. If life's not enjoyable, why stick around?". At first reports said he died from a blood clot after suffering an ankle injury. All they want to do is make a successful show. Leah LaBelle was just 16-years-old when she auditioned for Season 3 ofAmerican Idol. "I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired," Abdul says of the apparent suicide of Paula Goodspeed. PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: American Idol Stars Holiday Concert, Metropolitan Police Department (DC Police / MPD), Family Awaits Return of DC Mother Missing for More Than 3 Weeks, Man Shot Wife, Her Brother Before Shooting Himself: Police, Daughter of Buccaneers LB Shaq Barrett Drowns in Family Pool, 3 People Found Dead in Home in Springfield, Virginia; Toddler Found Alive, Why Fans Say Trips to Disney World Are Now Incredibly Complicated' to Pull Off. But I only remember from what I saw [in news clips]. Cause of death: Smith died at age 26 in a motorcycle accident in Millinocket, Maine. She was 26. She was a sweet person, very nice, but a little insecure.. 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. "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. The death of Paula Goodspeed is a tragedy, said Gina Serpe and Jason Kennedy in E! Country star Mindy McCready appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2009, in which her struggles with addiction were documented. "I think back on all the fun times we had. The girl group broke up for a point in time, but has since gotten back together. I was shaking," Abdul said. 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Little did they know, she would soon make national headlines. She was cut in the top 30 round, but Paula Abdul used her wildcard selection to advance her to the top 12. He said: 'It could still continue without me. This is why the celebrity world takes a major hit when reality show contestants pass away way too soon. Mark Balelo, a 40-year-old auctioneer featured on A&E's Storage Wars, died Feb. 2013, the victim of what the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office said was "asphyxiation from carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes." But, ended up withdrawing from the show out of respect to Saunders after his death. Raiola had been a main character on the VH1 show since 2012. Goodspeed, an obsessed fan of fellow Idol judge Paula Abdul, committed suicide in her car outside the Eighties singer's Los Angeles home last month. I will miss you my Friend RIP Ricky Smith. 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.. Abdul was at the American Idol studio when Goodspeed was found. Baker was featured in auditions filmed in Puerto Rico. Joyce and Chris tackle the highs and lows of each show and see how the winners aged. In the days following her death, her family hit out the Idol judges for being cruel to Goodspeed, who wore coloured braces. In 2008, Paula was 'shocked and saddened' by Paula Goodspeed's death outside her home (Image: Getty Images) Paula's LA home became the centre of a suspicious death in November 2008. An obsessed fan of American Idol and star Paula Abdul, Paula Goodspeed had her first name legally changed to that of her hero. That didnt happen. Do not avoid these conversations. At the time, Reuters reported that prescription pills, along with CDs and pictures of Abdul, were found in the car. Paula died in her car outside of Paula's home on November 11, 2008. Paula Goodspeed, 30, died last November after overdosing on Prozac and two other drugs, including one prescribed to treat schizophrenia. 'The Masked Singer' spoilers: Who is Medusa? "He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. Her performance of Total Eclipse of the Heart in the semi-finals sent her through to the live shows. That same year, Cohen's life tragically ended when she was struck by a car in Seaside Heights, N.J. MTV reported the autopsy results "showed that she had suffered chest, head and abdominal injuries." In July 2009, Cohen was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. When Rickey Smith appeared on Season 2 in 2003, he knocked our socks off as he channeled the Motown era. So the last few years have been a little tough.'. Goodspeed was known in the LAPDs threat management system for stalking Abdul, so the police force knew exactly where to look for her. During that same audition, Cowell also said he saw a resemblance between Goodspeed and her idol Abdul. She just liked the name Paula, she says. 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. She said that Burdett died as a consequence of a deliberate self inflicted injury where her intentions at that time were unclear, with a background of drugs and toxicity. Paula was a fan of Paula Abdul, even to the point of her changing her name to Paula Goodspeed at age 16 and modeling her singing and appearance after her. ", WhenPaula Goodspeedappeared on Season 5 of American Idol, she was no stranger to Paula Abdul. Gallery originally published February 2019. May she rest in peace and may her music career and individuality continue to inspire others. Alexis Cohen made a lasting impression in 2008, even though the Pennsylvania native's vocals fell flat. "More than just the name.". 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. Some of these American Idol singers who died too soon were fan favorites. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If I could have gone back in time and known what she was going through, I wish we could have spent time trying to help her. Her other plans for 2009 include her first album of new material in more than a decade and a new reality show special for MTV called "Rah! His friend summed up the final months of Anthonys life as torturous, delusional and at times erratic sprint. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. As the show enters its eighth season, record producer and songwriter Kara DioGuardi will join Abdul, Cowell and Randy Jackson at the judges' table. Her. Ms. Cowell admitted he didn't remember Goodspeed, who auditioned for American Idol in late 2005. Always In Our Hearts.". He was 34. The body of 30-year-old Paula Goodspeed, . It must have gone crazy.'. 'I would love to see her mentor the contestants, but if she doesn't want to do that, and she wants to come on the show and perform, I would welcome her anytime. Paula Mae Goodspeed was born July 4,1978 in Waterville,Maine by the name of Sandra Mae McIntyre and later married and had 2 boys,It wasnt until after her divorce she moved to California to try to get into the entertainment industry and changed her first name to . Show history: The Jasper, Alabama native competed on American Idol Season 13 in 20014. "The Bachelor's" Gia Allemand is just the latest fatality. He explained: 'I dont remember to be honest with you. Goodspeed was known in the LAPD's threat management system for stalking Abdul, so the police force knew exactly where to look for her. His mother opened up to The Mirror and talked about how she had no idea her son was struggling. With online users feeling closer to her than every during her health journey, they were hit hard when the 32-year-old died of endometrial cancer on October 18, 2014. Show history: Born Sandra May McIntyre, she didn't make it past the. [POLL]. 'She would, literally, be first on the list as far as I'm concerned in any capacity. But before he leaves, he plans to get Britney Spears on the show, despite her disappointing performance on this year's X Factor. As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, Goodspeed was found dead shortly after 6 PM on November 11, after the Los Angeles Police Department received a tip from a neighboring agency. Fox Says Battle With Parkinsons Disease Keeps Getting Tougher: Im Not Going to Be 80, Channel Your Inner Queen Charlotte with This Star-Loved British Brands Exclusive Skincare Kit, Naomi Watts Just Wore These Under-$100 PJs from Two Star-Loved Brands And Theyre the Perfect Mothers Day Gift for Stylish Travelers, The Best Signet Rings for Adding a Red Carpet-Ready Touch to Your Jewelry Stack, The Best Gifts New Moms Really Want, From Cozy Robes to Virtual Escapes, James Gunns Guardians: How Chris Pratt and His Marvel Castmates Rescued Their Directors Career, The Whispers Behind NBCUniversals Jeff Shell Firing, Diane Keaton: Youre Gonna Pray to Get Off This Call, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. However, she didnt get past the second Hollywood round even though she pleased the trio initially. The flower thing was really scary Paula [Abdul] really couldnt handle that. 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. Culkin, Strong, and ", 2023 Emmy Predictions: Limited/Movie Categories (Part 7), 2023 Emmy Predictions: Comedy Categories (Part 10). 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. Spence finished second in Season 19 and impressed audiences with his passionate performances. She left the judges speechless with her original song. And the thing is, that all she could do was get a hold of me through my fan club.. The news left fans devastated, but many also looked back on the incredible voice he displayed on the show. Mexican-American singer JenniRivera had been involved in several Spanish-language reality shows, and was starring in I Love Jenni on Mun2 when she was killed in a private plane crash that took the lives of seven people after it took off from Monterrey, Mexico, in Dec. 2012. The 30-year-old former American Idol contestant was found dead on Tuesday, apparently . 20:35 EDT 17 Dec 2008 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. Let us know what you feel about this article. Why is the Audition Process for American Idol So Confusing This Year? McAllister was a contestant only through the second week of her season on the ABC show. "It appears it's an overdose," LAPD Capt. He was 36 years old. Smith finished eighth place on the show and was close friends with Ruben Studdard, who won Idol that season. An obsessed fan of American Idol and star Paula Abdul, Paula Goodspeed had her first name legally changed to that of her hero. Copyright 2023 PopCulture.com. Riley won his first competition during the battle rounds, then withdrew from the competition. It was tumultuous, for me.. Paulas Sherman Oaks home is currently listed for sale, and Paula says she was glad not to be at home the day the heartbreaking event occurred. She wore the craziest outfits. I'm sure you're in heaven singing you're heart out!!!". Cause of death: Died from a rare form of endometrial cancer at age 32. "I said, 'I'm serious, I'll move you into my house,'" Abdul said. Goodspeed, who was born Sandra May McIntyre, died by suicide by a drug overdose. Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan will return as judges, with Ryan Seacrest as host. She was cheery. "It's the typical brother thing that we have. If theres anything to take away from this article, and video, its that people can struggle silently. Online. She was not just a name and number, with a risk assessment, she was cared for by her family and mental health professionals.. According to PEOPLE, the medical examiners office in Philadelphia said that the death was a suicide by hanging. At the time, Reuters reported that prescription pills, along with CDs and pictures of Abdul, were found in the car. "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. James Miller told Access, adding that the coroner's office is still conducting their investigation. We genuinely didn't know.'. He was 32. Paula said her life has dramatically changed since the tragic event in November. Were sure you remember her 2008 X Factor audition where Simon Cowell slammed her act as an utter and complete nightmare. He tried to pursue a music career in L.A. but instead moved back home. ", She continued to update her Facebook with news of her chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was showered with love each step of the way. Burdett did not answer the door, or phone. The Mob Wives star lost her battle to cancer at the age of 55 after being diagnosed last year with stage 4 brain cancer and undergoing several surgeries. He was only 23. He died in March 2011 from cardiac arrest, just hours after filming a video for funnyordie.com. Toxicology results showed he tested positive for marijuana, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and an "empty box of Don Julio tequila was recovered at the crash scene. My address was announced and [it was shown] how you could get into my house.. Hug's body was discovered off a remote highway in the Southern California desert. The death was featured on the series, followed by a special tribute episode. Life would take a turn for the talented artist soon thereafter, and it hit us hard when it was announced that he had died on Dec. 6, 2015 at the age of 34. The substance-abuse-related deaths of police brutality victimRodney King, Grease actor Jeff Conaway and Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr shined a spotlight on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, a reality show which so far has had five fatalities among its troubled cast members, including Joey Kovar and Mindy McCready. Woman Found Dead Near Paula Abdul's Home Was Former 'Idol' Contestant November 12, 2008 The woman who was found dead in a car parked near Paula Abdul's Sherman Oaks, Calif., home last night has been identified as Paula Goodspeed, 30, a former contestant on "American Idol's" Season 5. His confession was "deemed inadmissible," and because Bark wasn't read his rights at the time of the arrest, he was given a plea deal, was charged with driving drunk, and was sentenced to only 364 days in jail. "Saying that she had a bridge in her mouth? The formerIdol judge told Sirius XM's Barbara Live! The cause of Goodspeed's death will not be determined until the results of toxicology tests come back, Winter added. American Idol Stars Who Tragically Passed Away. Ive been drawing ever since I was a little kid and my first drawing was of Paula Abdul.. She crashed her motorcycle in Millinocket, Maine on Aug. 31, 2019. Photo: Fitzroy Barrett/Landov; Courtesy Entertainment Tonight/Reuters/Landov, N.J. Student, 11, Found Dead in School Bathroom After She Reported Alleged Bullying, BTS Members: Everything to Know About the K-Pop Supergroup, Joey McIntyre on His 'Extraordinary Night' Performing at Carnegie Hall: 'It Was Hard Not to Get Emotional', Benson Boone Says His Debut Album Which He Confirms Is Coming Is the Start of a 'New Era', Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan Tear Up at 'Idol' Contestant's Tribute to Willie Spence, Who Is Jen Shah's Husband? She was unresponsive to officers.. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. "It's coming up on 20 years of me being a Laker girl and [the song] 'Straight Up' being No. By Daniel S. Levine Im like, a really big fan. Abdul also had numerous orders of protection against Goodspeed, "but come American Idol, when anyone could audition, she showed up.". Drugs and alcohol were involved. He left the show to join rehab, and get his substance abuse under control. It was there that his life did a 180. 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. 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. 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. 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?". 'Talking about the producers in the way they have been portrayed [in the media] is unfair. A manhunt for Jenkins followed, and shortly after his body was found hanging by a belt in the Thunderbird Motel in Hope, British Columbia. Billy asked Paula if she felt any guilt surrounding Goodspeeds death. But after singing her rendition of Tina Turners Proud Mary, the woman was roundly panned by the shows judges. The twice-divorced star was left "deeply shocked and saddened" when former American Idol contestant Paula Goodspeed was found dead in her own car outside of her house. PEOPLE.com and the Peoples Choice Awards are counting your votes! Advertisement. Cause of death: Injuries suffered in a car crash in Studio City, California at age 31. Oh my god she changed her name for you, and I saw her name, I got really nervous. Paula said of Goodspeed. 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. As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, Goodspeed was found dead shortly after 6 PM on November 11, after the Los Angeles Police Department received a tip from a neighboring agency. She was found laying in bed with an incision in her neck, and drug toxicity in her veins. And I made life-sized drawings of Paula. ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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 autopsy revealed that Butler had drugs and alcohol in his system at the time of the crash. "There's a similarity here," Cowell said. Haley Smith was a contestant during Season 11. Today Abdul said that was Cowell's way of piling on. 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. Show history: Cohen, who auditioned twice, told the camera when she tried out for Season 7, I march to the beat of a different drummer. That was an understatement. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Billy asked Paula if she felt any guilt surrounding Goodspeeds death. ", 'Everyone knew, I mean I was shaking and they thought this (would be) for entertainment value.'. 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. The show was in production on its second season. 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. ", "I've got to tell you, luckily for me, I was at Hollywood week for 'American Idol' when it happened. 'How did she get through the metal detector? Before her death, her landlord went to her home after concerns of her welfare. Her parents, who reported her missing the same day, had previously told sheriffs that they thought she would be at Abduls house. She was quickly nicknamed Glitter Girl by the shows fans. PLAY IT NOW: Idols Ryan Seacrest & David Archuleta Reunited! His audition song was Brian McKnights One Last Cry and finished in eighth place. Goodspeeds 2006 audition was not Paulas first encounter with the stalker. 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. 'American Idol' Top 26: Iam Tongi and Nutsa win over fans in Hawaii, but who will be eliminated? I really like Paula Abdul a lot. that's who im the most concerned 4.". All Rights Reserved. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings.