Suicide outside Paula Abdul's house? Why did Paula Goodspeed die?
Tonight on "Inside Edition," you can visit the scene outside Paula Abdul's home in Sherman Oaks, Calif., where a young fan may have committed suicide.
Paula Goodspeed was a self-described fan of the "American Idol" judge. There is no known reason why she would have committed suicide outside Abdul's home, other than to be close at the end of her life to her apparent idol. Or to have her name forever linked with Abdul's.
Goodspeed's body was found inside her car, which was decorated with a photo of Abdul hanging from the rear-view mirror. Her personalized license plate reads "ABL LV," which has been said to stand for Abdul Love.
"Ms. Goodspeed's mother had gone to [the sheriff's department] to report her daughter missing and advised them that she might be suicidal," Los Angeles Police Capt. James Miller tells People. Officials "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."
Authorities say her death may have been due to drug overdose, but tests still have to be performed.
Turns out Goodspeed auditioned for "American Idol" in 2005 and admitted a lifelong fascination with Abdul.
"I really like Paula Abdul a lot. She's really cool. ... I'm like a really big fan and I make life-size drawings of Paula. I've been drawing ever since I was a little kid, and my first drawing was of Paula Abdul."
Goodspeed attended the Austin, Texas, tryouts wearing braces and dressed like a gypsy, a look said to be inspired by Abdul. "Definitely, I really think I'm a pop star. They call me fashion genius."
Even "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell noticed Goodspeed's resemblance to Abdul.
Cowell observed, "A similarity here ... more than just the name. ... I see it definitely."
But the judges weren't impressed with Goodspeed's version of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary." Simon Cowell was downright rude, especially about her braces. As co-judge Randy Jackson said, "That was terrible. What was that?"
Afterward, Goodspeed vented in an expletive-filled post-audition interview. "I was pitchy on a couple of notes. Big ... deal. ... They send a lot to HW that can't even really hold a note. It's not over and I'm not gonna stop singing just cause you don't like my voice."
Frankly, we're surprised more kids haven't felt suicidal, suffered from depression or developed mental or emotional problems after an "Idol" audition. Those dudes' remarks are often pretty harsh!
What do you think? Was this just a matter of time or an isolated incident?
We don't know if more kids have felt suicidal after Idol auditions, but there have been many reports of suicides by people who have been former participants on Reality TV shows. Look up "suicide and reality tv" and you will find names and sad stories. Reality TV is abusive and our enjoyment of it says a lot about our culture. It's scary that we enjoy watching people be humiliated, berated for their dreams and to see their hopes dashed. Why is that entertainment?
Unfortunately, it was just a matter of time. If she were that distraught over any comments made, she probably would have done something drastic back in 2005. Poor baby...I pray for her family.
Obviously you have to be a little mental or a jokester to audition on national television if you can't hold a note. I don't believe she was a jokester. Idol could've pushed her over the edge but it wasn't the cause. There are thousands of Idol rejects out there who are still alive. I'll keep her family in my prayers.
I think that although she didn't sing well, she seemed like an adorable character, a really nice girl. People need to stop being so damn mean and negative towards other people... this is what results from that! She meant no harm, and people tore her down so hard-core that she decided to leave the earth, it's terrible and sad :( Prayers for her family and friends ...
This is very sad. I watch American Idol, and must admit that we usually do laugh at some of the tryouts. I have always thought the terrible ones were staged - not serously trying out. I am ashamed that I have supported something that may have lead to a human death. Sometimes the remarks are brutal, and I have often been upset by judges comments. Perhaps something can be learned for the future.
I am so sorry for this poor women's family.
However I don't think anything that was said to her from Idol could possibly have anything to do with her death.
She obviously had serious mental health problems.
let's hope next time problems like hers can be caught by someone before she has a chance to do harm to herself.
To be, or try to be, an artist you must be able to handle criticism and ridicule. You are baring your soul. This woman obviously had problems far beyond the Idol incident. To blame AI is ridiculous, like blaming McDonalds for making you fat. C'mon people, wake up. This is why this show, and others like it, are so popular, people love to watch other people fail.
My condolences to her family and my empathy for the pain she was obviously enduring in her life.
I am terribly sorry that the judges are the harsh to people. She was a good character, very friendly. Her face showed it all when she walked into the room. She was glowing with excitement, yet she was also nervous.
Even though she wasn't amazing, she gave it her all and I personally give her major props for getting on national television and show the world who she is.
Prayers to her friends and family.
Forever the fashion genius. prayers for her.
I think a suicide from someone from american idol was a timebomb waiting to happen I know several people who were booted off idol and have unnormal obsessions with the show and with people related to the show. I am not surprised by this story at all I am very saddened by it. I believe I met that woman on five occasions.
If you cannot stand the heat.. keep out of the kitchen!! EVERYONE that goes on the show knows ahead of time how brutally honest the judges are. If you cannot take it.. do not appear before them. She took thee years to off herself. Idol did not push her over the edge... some people are just depressed and do it no matter what.