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. Joanne Borgella, from Season 7, died in October 2014 at age 32 after a rare form of endometrial cancer spread to her brain, according to Pop Culture. '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. He was 44. 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. Shes really cool. "The Bachelor's" Gia Allemand is just the latest fatality. In addition, Simon Cowell made disparaging remarks about her braces: I dont know how you can sing with all that metal in your mouth.. The VH1 reality star died in the early morning of Feb. 18 after reports she was clinging to life on the night before. Leah LaBelle finished 12th in American Idol Season 3. Drugs and alcohol were involved. We send our condolences to his loved ones.". Friends and family of the reality star believed that she intended to end her life. 'She would, literally, be first on the list as far as I'm concerned in any capacity. '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. The motive, according to authorities: robbery. 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. 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. Show history: Borgella made it to the top-12 girls in Season 7, but was eliminated after singing Dionne Warwicks I Say a Little Prayer., Before she auditioned for Idol, the Brooklyn-born plus-sized model , who was seen in magazine ads, won the title of Miss F.A.T. in 2005 as the first season winner of TVs Moniques Fat Chance. Borgella was a coach on MTVs Made and would appear on NUBOtvs show Curvy Girls,. But what people don't realize, this was a serious, serious situation. American Idol has faced several tragedies during its 21 seasons. But, ended up withdrawing from the show out of respect to Saunders after his death. Cause of death: He was killed at age 36 after a drunk driver going the wrong way crashed into his car when he was returning to his home in Oklahoma City. Julien Hug, a restaurateur featured as a contestant on ABC's The Bachelorette, shot himself n Nov. 2010. 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. With so many amazing things happening in her career, we never would've expected her life to be cut short in January 2018 when she and her boyfriend, former professional basketball player Rasual Butler (pictured, left), were killed in a car accident in Studio City, Calif. After a lengthy, months-long investigation, TMZ reported Butler, who was behind the wheel, had "multiple substances in his system at the time of his fatal crash." Smith performed a folk version of Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good" that impressed the judges. 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. Burdett did not answer the door, or phone. Torregiani, Abdul called him asking why he had changed his number, a source close to Abdul tells PEOPLE. She returned to the show to audition in Season 8, according to BBC, but the publication added that Cowell still deemed her audition "horrendous." He died in March 2011 from cardiac arrest, just hours after filming a video for funnyordie.com. Maybe his career didn't flourish the way he expected, but to us, he'll always be a star. Country star Mindy McCready appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2009, in which her struggles with addiction were documented. RELATED ARTICLE: 2000: Ending a 15-year obsession, Brooke Shields stalker is arrestedRELATED GALLERY: 2005: Paula finally ends her battle with chronic pain. 'American Idol' Top 26: Iam Tongi and Nutsa win over fans in Hawaii, but who will be eliminated? American Idol sets Disney Night 2023 for May 14, but what will Katy Perry wear? According to PEOPLE, the medical examiners office in Philadelphia said that the death was a suicide by hanging. American Idolshaped the careers of some of our favorite musicians, including Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, and Kelly Clarkson. ", "I've got to tell you, luckily for me, I was at Hollywood week for 'American Idol' when it happened. 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. 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. How we set up for hours in our room in the Idol Mansion talking and listening to music. Simon Cowell commented about how he had wished he wouldve helped her during her Idol time in an interview in 2008. Show history: Born Sandra May McIntyre, she didnt make it past the Season 5 auditions. The New Jersey native "made it to the top 24 before being eliminated," according to E! Woman Found Dead Near Paula Abdul's Home Was Former 'Idol' Contestant She was excited, says McIntyre. Deadline Media, Get our free, urgent prediction updates and news, American Society of Cinematographers Awards 2023, Emmy Noms Predictions Odds: All Star Users, Leaderboards: See All Past Prediction Accuracy Scores, Leaderboards: Best Prediction Accuracy Scores for Film, TV and Music Awards, Leaderboards: Best TV Show Predictions by Gold Derby Users, Find a User or Expert / Download Gold Derbys Free, New App, Watch our video interviews with top awards contenders: directors, producers, below-the-line artisans and , Watch our lively predictions slugfests with Experts and Editors, Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon (George and Tammy), Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus: Sicily), Vera Farmiga and Cherry Jones (Five Days at Memorial), 'American Idol' Top 20: Who gave the best performance? Goodspeeds Idol audition was prominently featured by the show, and in her interview with host Ryan Seacrest, she clearly expressed her affection for Abdul. Show history: This charmer, who sang strong renditions of Light My Fire and Dream On, finished in eighth place in Season 7 in 2008. Goodspeed killed herself by overdosing on drugs in her car outside . Little did they know, she would soon make national headlines. A post shared by Simone Battle (@simonebattle). Dec. 8, 2008 — -- Paula Abdul spoke out today for the first time about the death of Paula Goodspeed, an "American Idol" hopeful turned stalker who was found dead from an apparent drug overdose in a car outside Abdul's Los Angeles home. Woman found dead outside Paula Abdul's home - Los Angeles Times 2023 Gold Derby Media, LLC. The car was found near the singer's home. Obsessed Abdul Fan's Autopsy | The Smoking Gun News. At first reports said he died from a blood clot after suffering an ankle injury. News. [Im] living with security full time now, its just different. Who was eliminated? In a new interview with Access Hollywood's 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 Abdul's home in November.And now, the "Idol" judge claims that it was not the first time the troubled woman had attempted to take her own life near Paula's home. In a Facebook video, Borgella said it was an "unexpected"and "rare case" that had "spread to [her] chest." Eric Hill who was a competitor on the 10th season of ABC's The Bachelorette debuting in May 2014 suffered critical injuries April 20, 2014, while paragliding in Utah after his parachute collapsed. He was 34. 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. As the show enters its eighth season, record producer and songwriter Kara DioGuardi will join Abdul, Cowell and Randy Jackson at the judges' table. "I've suffered from severe depression for years. 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. Ms. So when that happens, you're an open target to be followed home. 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. Paula Abdul's life - chronic pain, death outside home, American Idol 11:12 EDT 18 Dec 2008. Your email address will not be published. Billy asked Paula if she felt any guilt surrounding Goodspeeds death. 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. Her friends posted tributes about her after her passing. In the semi-finals, he performed Shelter and earned a coveted wild card spot. Johns Released an album, Hold Back My Heart, and an three-song EP, Love and Sex in 2012. By She swore at him and flipped him a one-finger salute. Eight years after that interview, Smith was killed while traveling on a highway outside of Oklahoma City when a wrong-way driver hit his vehicle head-on. Rapper MoneySign Suede Dead At 22 After Being Stabbed In Prison Shower, Lawyer Says. You were the heart of our season and the true definition of a real friend.. 20:35 EDT 17 Dec 2008 It's believed that she committed suicide. - October 23, 2022 04:21 pm EDT. When he said he hadnt, Abdul knew immediately who really sent them: ex-American Idol contestant Paula Goodspeed, according to the source. On Tuesday night, the body of the 30-year-old aspiring singer was found in a car near Abduls home in Los Angeles, an apparent suicide victim from what police believe was a drug overdose. All contributed in some way to making the Fox-turned-ABC reality TV show what it is today. We know youve seen the audition of this Paula Abdul super fan. American Idol 21 predictions: Iam Tongi is early front-runner to win, but who will be eliminated from Top 12? She left the judges speechless with her original song. Simon Cowell has spoken of his 'regret' following the suicide of troubled American Idol contestant Paula Goodspeed. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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. My address was announced and [it was shown] how you could get into my house.. The sheriffs determined that Ms. Goodspeed may be up in the vicinity by Paula Abduls house. I was always around music growing up." 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. I went through a very rough time of feeling like she wanted my attention so much I shed a lot of tears. 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! That didnt happen. His body was discovered in a car parked in a garage at his Simi Valley auction house, days after he was arrested on charges of methamphetamine possession. He was 36 years old. His friend summed up the final months of Anthonys life as torturous, delusional and at times erratic sprint. "As I sit here in utter disbelief about the fact that you went to be with the Lord," Studdard wrote on Instagram after Smith's death. America So She Could Breastfeed Privately, Michael J. 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. 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.. Corey Cesare is Talent Recap's Managing Editor and featured YouTube Host. Ryan Jenkins had just completed filming on Megan Wants a Millionaire, a VH1 reality show starring former Rock of Love contestant Megan Hauserman, when he met Jasmine Fiore, a swimsuit model, at a Las Vegas casino in March 2009. Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan will return as judges, with Ryan Seacrest as host. Her father believed that a deer might have been involved since she was an experienced rider. It was a tough pill to swallow. 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. Daniel Bark was later apprehended in connection with the crime, according to the Ashbury Park Journal (via MTV). The formerIdol judge told Sirius XM's Barbara Live! Join the Fun!! Idol Family Forever.". Abdul 'shocked' over death of fan 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. tour after the season. 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. However, she didnt get past the second Hollywood round even though she pleased the trio initially. "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 can't even imagine if I was right there in my home. Cause of death: Died from a rare form of endometrial cancer at age 32. Let us know what you feel about this article. Oh my god she changed her name for you, and I saw her name, I got really nervous. Paula said of Goodspeed. The car, parked a few doors down from Abduls house, featured a license plate ABL LV and had a photo of Abdul hanging from the rear view mirror. The notoriously harsh Simon Cowell even loved it, telling Johns,"I thought that was a very good audition, Michael. 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. "I said, 'I'm serious, I'll move you into my house,'" Abdul said. Although we will never know the true amount of suffering these talent show contestants had, we can talk about their great talents, and remember them for who they were. Paula Goodspeed - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki In October 2014, Borgella died from a rare form of endometrial cancer, which spread to her brain. Whos your Favorite Star Under 35? You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. 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. 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. After finding out about the. An obsessed fan of American Idol and star Paula Abdul, Paula Goodspeed had her first name legally changed to that of her hero. Take a trip back to the Academy Awards ceremonies of the recent past with Gold DerbysOscars Playbackseries. Her time in the spotlight was far from over, though. Goodspeed's death reignited the debate over whether the judging on "American Idol" can be too harsh. In 2008, Goodspeed was found dead of an overdose in her car, parked close to Abdul's home. "We are all heartbroken," the message stated. He was found dead in his New York City apartment in December 2015. The death of Paula Goodspeed is a tragedy, said Gina Serpe and Jason Kennedy in E! She was 30 and had been obsessed with Abdul since she was 12 years old. The media outlet reports Abdul wasn't at home when Goodspeed's body was found. Rest in peace Michael.". Paula Goodspeed (American Idol, 2006) - YouTube 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). Paula said the tragic event in November has made her home vulnerable to future disturbed fans. '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. Cause of death: Suicide via drug overdose at age 30 in Sherman Oaks, California. Heres my new cell number.. The would-be veterinarian wailed Jefferson Airplanes Somebody to Love, much to the judges displeasure. I do this for me, but not only for me, Spence said at his audition in San Diego. She was obsessed with then-judge Paula Abdul, even legally changing her first name from Sandra to Paula. Im like, a really big fan. Goodspeed didn't make it past the audition phase, but she returned in Season 6 to try out again. PLAY IT NOW: Idols Ryan Seacrest & David Archuleta Reunited! How much fun we all had on our very first tour. Haley Smith was a contestant during Season 11. 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 . 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 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. "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. His mother opened up to The Mirror and talked about how she had no idea her son was struggling. He went to the doctor before christmas because he was feeling tired and they never spotted any problems, she said. The news left fans devastated, but many also looked back on the incredible voice he displayed on the show. Although somewhat calmer, she got a thumbs down again with Cowell declaring her, horrendous.. 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. 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. We use this field to verify if the person is not a bot and wont leave spam comments on the website. She also shot Wilson's dog. Kosewicz, whose boyfriend killed himself two months before her death, had complained on MySpace about how the show had adversely affected her life.