American Idol Singer 'Commits Suicide' Outside Paula Abdul's Home

A woman who auditioned to be a contestant on American Idol has been found dead near the home of one of the programme's judges, Paula Abdul.

The body of Paula Goodspeed was discovered yesterday (November 12th) in a car close to Abdul's home in Los Angeles. A detective said she had died of “suicide by overdose”.

Police found prescription drugs, CDs and pictures of Abdul, a former singer, in the vehicle.

In a statement, Abdul said she was "shocked and saddened" by what had transpired. "My heart and prayers go out to her family,” she added.

Goodspeed had auditioned on the fifth series of the programme but failed to get through the judging stage.

Her parents had reported her missing and raised concerns that Goodspeed may harm herself.

It is believed she had become obsessed with the judge.