Ex-American Idol Contestant Found Dead at Paula Abdul’s Home

A former American Idol hopeful has been found dead in a car parked outside Paula Abdul’s Sherman Oaks, Calif. home Tuesday night.

Paula Goodspeed, 30, was described by her parents as an “extreme fan.”

While authorities are said to be awaiting a toxicology report, there are some reports claiming she died of a drug overdose. Others insist she had an apparent suicide, referring to the prescription drugs found at the scene.

Reports claim that the ‘obsessed’ Idol hopeful, who was a regular visitor to Abdul’s neighborhood, attempted suicide at the same spot a year ago. Capt. Jim Miller of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department said, “This individual had an infatuation with Ms. Abdul.”

A spokesperson for the reality show judge stated that Goodspeed was known to Abdul and her staff. According to E! News, the fan had stalked Abdul for 17 years.

However, shocked family members are refuting stories stating Goodspeed was obsessed with Abdul, though cops found a photo of the singer hanging from the rearview mirror of the Toyota vehicle, which bore a vanity plate that read ABL LV.

Sonja McIntyre, Goodspeed’s 20-year-old niece, stated, "She was not obsessed. She was a fan. She adored Paula Abdul since she was a teenager. She and Paula Abdul actually had coffee together at Starbucks once."

After Goodspeed was reported missing by her parents Tuesday evening, they gave police Abdul’s address as a possible clue.

The singer, 46, was shooting an upcoming American Idol episode when the incident took place. In a statement, the former hitmaker said, “I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired yesterday. My heart and prayers go out to her family.”

In 2006, Goodspeed’s off-key rendition of Proud Mary got a thumbs-down from Abdul and a scorn from Simon Cowell. In an episode, she talked about Abdul’s influence on her.

"I make life-sized drawings of Paula,” Goodspeed declared. "I have since I was a little girl."

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