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. ", 'Everyone knew, I mean I was shaking and they thought this (would be) for entertainment value.'. 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. She went there to sing.". Julien Hug, a restaurateur featured as a contestant on ABC's The Bachelorette, shot himself n Nov. 2010. Cowell said on Wednesday: 'Youre talking about a human tragedy. Weve seen a lot of people. A lover of the great outdoors who lived in Orem, Utah, at the time told host Ryan Seacrest, Its where I feel most at peace you could say, I guess. Judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson appreciated her folksy laidback acapella version of the Rufus and Chaka Khan R&B classic Tell Me Something Good as well as her flower-girl vibe. Paula Goodspeed - EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki Its not like Im moving just because of this, Paula explained. Once she started singing, though, Faris immediately knew she wouldnt be taken seriously in the music industry. According to Paula, this was not the first time Goodspeed had come to Paulas house to attempt to end her life. 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. His friend summed up the final months of Anthonys life as torturous, delusional and at times erratic sprint. 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. The group was called Green Force Five. Click the photo above to watch the video. 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? "I don't think any artist on Earth can sing with that much metal in your mouth anyway. That didnt happen. He's a man that marches to the beat of his own drum.". Alexis Cohen was featured in the auditions episodes of Seasons 7 and 8. It was his musical upbringing that contributed to his raw talent. It. "We are all heartbroken," the message stated. He said: 'All youve got to say is "Stop filming, I need to speak with the producers." 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). A toxicology report showed his blood alcohol level was .118, above the legal limit. He was survived by his wife, who he wed in 2007. 'I have thought long and hard about this and I think that we will continue in the way we have always done, which is in the main, we have tried to have a sense of humor over the whole process.'. A fatty liver, often caused by alcohol abuse, might have also played a part. ", "Idol" judge Simon Cowell made fun of Goodspeed's braces. She was 42. 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. 11 American Idol Stars Who Sadly Passed Away They literally laughed at her singing. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. The most recent tragedy struck in early October 2022 when Willie Spence died in a car accident in Tennessee. 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. Abdul, who lit up when Goodspeed said her name was Paula, said, Speechless, dont know what to say after hearing the song. 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. They also discuss Jesse Plemons (Love and Death) and Schmigadoon comedy categories. Show history: Smith tried out on Season 11 in 2012 at age 18 during auditions that were held in Colorado. Goodspeed's apparent suicide hit Simon Cowell hard. Looking back, Paula said she wished Goodspeeds appearance on the show had gone better, especially with her fellow judge Simon Cowell. She was quickly nicknamed Glitter Girl by the shows fans. Her time in the spotlight was far from over, though. Billy asked Paula if she felt any guilt surrounding Goodspeeds death. 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. He began a music career in Los Angeles, but moved back to Oklahoma when that did not pan out. Shes really cool. 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. James Miller told Access, adding that the coroner's office is still conducting their investigation. Other Idol singers who have passed away include Alexis Cohen, Haley Smith, Jessika Baier, Joanne Borgella, Leah LaBelle, Marque Lynche, Michael Johns, Paula Goodspeed, and Rickey Smith. In addition, Simon Cowell made disparaging remarks about her braces: I dont know how you can sing with all that metal in your mouth.. "It's the typical brother thing that we have. Soon after her X Factor time, she joined girl group, G.R.L. Joseph Cerniglia, a restaurateur who faced the withering criticism of Gordon Ramsay on Fox's Kitchen Nightmares in 2007, leaped to his death from the George Washington Bridge in New York in September 2010. Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:PLAY IT NOW: Idols Ryan Seacrest & David Archuleta Reunited!PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: American Idol Stars Holiday Concert, MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: American Idol - Billy Bush - Paula Abdul - Simon Cowell - Deaths, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. "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. , updated I'm sure you're in heaven singing you're heart out!!!". She left the judges speechless with her original song. Woman found dead near Abdul's home - UPI.com Jack achieved more than many people could dream of achieving.. Her death gained international attention, particularly after her family said she had a history of mental illness. 'How did she get through the metal detector? McKibbin performed on American Idol when the show was beginning to develop huge audiences for its episodes. It was tumultuous, for me.. Please do not let her in.' Paula Abdul reacts After Stalker Commits Suicide Outside Her Home While lying in her hospital bed, she teared up but reassured her fans by saying, "I feel good knowing that God is with me. According to Paula, this was not the first time Goodspeed had come to Paulas house to attempt to end her life. Some of these American Idol singers who died too soon were fan favorites. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. Paula Goodspeed | American Idol Wiki | Fandom HostsJoyce Eng andChristopher Rosen recap every Oscar ceremony of the 1990s as well as some added bonus shows. His death came after he suffered a leg injury. The body of 30-year-old Paula Goodspeed, . 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 . Why a Paula Abdul fan died | The Week When plus-size model Joanne Borgella began singing Celine Dion's "I Love You" in Season 7, it was clear she was Idol material. Celebs Who Have Been Stalked | Entertainment Tonight Daniel Bark was later apprehended in connection with the crime, according to the Ashbury Park Journal (via MTV). Paula did make a couple references to Paula Abdul, but nothing really out of the ordinary.. The victims were helicopter pilot David Gibbs, 59, along with Darren Rydstrom, 45, crew of the show, and Michael Donatelli, 45, a cast member. Ive been drawing ever since I was a little kid, and my first drawing was of Paula Abdul.. He was 36 years old. She was unresponsive to officers.. I was shocked to hear about her death, I never thought it would come to that, says Faris. 'My regret in all of this is that we didn't know how troubled this person was. Oh my god she changed her name for you, and I saw her name, I got really nervous. Paula said of Goodspeed. 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. tour after the season. 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. Sea captain Phil Harris, the star of Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, died in Feb. 2010 at age 53, after suffering a massive stroke while unloading a haul ofcrab in Alaska. The news left fans devastated, but many also looked back on the incredible voice he displayed on the show. Her father believed that a deer might have been involved since she was an experienced rider. Woman found dead outside Paula Abdul's home - Los Angeles Times American Idol Recap: Top 10 Revealed After Viewers Vote Live, The Reason Kim Kardashian Wants to Quit Reality TV, Ed Sheeran Appears in Court Over Thinking Out Loud Plagiarism Lawsuit. She died in her car outside of Abduls home. 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. Paula said the tragic event in November has made her home vulnerable to future disturbed fans. 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. All rights reserved. Scroll on for a look at each singer's life. All rights reserved. Her death gained international attention, particularly after her family said she had a history of mental illness. Police: Paula Abdul 'Fan' Likely Died From Overdose '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. He was 34. It is said that Goodspeed sent Abdul a bouquet of flowers before killing herself. 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. Tour our photo gallery below for a closer look at all of the American Idol deaths. Michael Johns was an Australian singer who started a career in Atlanta before he appeared on Idol Season 7 in 2008. As previously reported by the outlet, she made . She would later send Abdul nude photos of herself and even followed the entertainer home after one of the show's auditions. PLAY IT NOW: Idols Ryan Seacrest & David Archuleta Reunited! If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). When the show made Abdul aware of a contestant who was "crazy about" her, she objected. News. American Idol 21 predictions: Iam Tongi is early front-runner to win, but who will be eliminated from Top 12? Show history: The warm and ingratiating Smith, who had worked as a school teacher, competed on Season 2 in 2003. She was found laying in bed with an incision in her neck, and drug toxicity in her veins. After Idol, the soul-blues singer released his 2009 full-length album,Hold Back My Heart,followed by the EPLove and Sexin 2012, according toRolling Stone. American Idol Stars Who Tragically Passed Away - Nicki Swift Shes really cool. This is why the celebrity world takes a major hit when reality show contestants pass away way too soon. Paula Goodspeed did not make it past the auditions in Season 5. Its a different thing, she added. After finding out about the. Authorities easily recognized her since she was notorious for stalking Abdul. She just liked the name Paula, she says. 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. Iconic! 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 was not suicidal, says her niece, Sonja McIntyre, 20, of Maine, who last spoke with her aunt about two months ago. Smith performed a folk version of Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good" that impressed the judges. She was 25. [Im] living with security full time now, its just different. I didnt do anything, she said of the suspected suicide. Unfortunately, Spence is one of several Idol contestants who have died since they appeared on the show. Her parents, who reported her missing the same day, had previously told sheriffs that they thought she would be at Abduls house. You know, [she] had attempted to do that a few months prior, Paula continued. We genuinely didn't know.'. Please be sure to check in on friends and family members who might be struggling with mental health. 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. Idol Family Forever.". Kovar later appeared on VH1's Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. A woman who authorities said once tried to become a contestant on "American Idol" was found dead outside the Sherman Oaks home of "Idol" judge Paula Abdul in a case police are investigating as a. "Nothing personal against Gordon Ramsay, but he is a poor inspiration for professional chefs in his shows," celebrity chef Eric Ripert wrote on his Twitter account after reading the news. Country star Mindy McCready appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2009, in which her struggles with addiction were documented. When I heard from [Idol creator] Nigel [Lythgoe], Wait til you see this next girl! 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. The star of Paradise Hotel 2, which aired on MyNetworkTV, Nathan Clutter leaped to his death from a cellular tower in Oct. 2007 at the age of 26. "He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. American Idol sets Disney Night 2023 for May 14, but what will Katy Perry wear? 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. Paula Abdul's life - chronic pain, death outside home, American Idol He was only 23. "We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence," the Idol team wrote on Twitter. Our officers discovered her vehicle parked on the street, and found her inside. 'American Idol' Contestants Who Have Tragically Died Over the Years Cause of death: Struck by a hit-and-run driver at age 25 in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. Here are the American Idol stars who tragically passed away. According to TMZ, family sources told law enforcement that Battle had become depressed over money worries, and she was frustrated that her band had not broken through in the U.S. 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. Advertisement. Raiola had been a main character on the VH1 show since 2012. 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.. By The VH1 reality star died in the early morning of Feb. 18 after reports she was clinging to life on the night before. I went through a very rough time of feeling like she wanted my attention so much I shed a lot of tears. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Simon Cowell reveals his 'regret' over American Idol contestant's She signed up with Wilhelmina Models and appeared on the show Curvy Girls in 2013. However, he struggled to gain the recognition he deserved and ended up moving backto his hometown of Oklahoma City. She first appeared as a choreographer and cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleader, then a Grammy-winning singer and dancer. Culkin, Strong, and ", 2023 Emmy Predictions: Limited/Movie Categories (Part 7), 2023 Emmy Predictions: Comedy Categories (Part 10). Goodspeeds 2006 audition was not Paulas first encounter with the stalker. He explained: 'I dont remember to be honest with you. 11:12 EDT 18 Dec 2008. 20:35 EDT 17 Dec 2008 If life's not enjoyable, why stick around?". 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. America So She Could Breastfeed Privately, Michael J. 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. "If somebody has a deadly disease that requires chronic treatment [and] are not, everyday, involved in that treatment, their life is in danger today," Dr. Drew Pinsky told ET. The Brooklyn native was 32 years old. According to reports, prescription pills, CDs, and pictures of the singer were found littered in Goodspeed's car. She was coming back to Maine where Goodspeed grew up. The girl group broke up for a point in time, but has since gotten back together. She was cheery. A post shared by Simone Battle (@simonebattle). 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. Goodspeed didn't make it past the audition phase, but she returned in Season 6 to try out again. "The Bachelor's" Gia Allemand is just the latest fatality. 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. 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. She sang Whitney Houston's "I Believe In You and Me" and left us all with goosebumps, including Randy Jackson who was gobsmacked by the Hungarian-born songstress' sultry vocals. She also discussed how she felt her son was hopeless, and lost. Thinking they had come from her restaurateur boyfriend J.T. In October 2014, Borgella died from a rare form of endometrial cancer, which spread to her brain. You're like a white soul singer.". So, basically, Lynche was already well-known when he auditioned for the FOX singing competition. 1. 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. The media outlet reports Abdul wasn't at home. But after singing her rendition of Tina Turners Proud Mary, the woman was roundly panned by the shows judges. Paula Goodspeed, 30, died last November after overdosing on Prozac and two other drugs, including one prescribed to treat schizophrenia. All Rights Reserved. Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan will return as judges, with Ryan Seacrest as host. Little did they know, she would soon make national headlines. Cause of death was found to be cardiac arrest. 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! I think that this show could continue for another 10, 20 years, to be honest with you.'. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Paula Goodspeed's suicide: Don't blame 'Idol,' even as we all After eight days the landlord returned and found her dead.