Billy asked Paula if she felt any guilt surrounding Goodspeeds death. 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. Kovar later appeared on VH1's Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Johns was 35 years old. 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. It was tumultuous, for me.. Rickey Smith, who appeared on American Idol Season 2, was killed by a drunk driver in Oklahoma City on May 5, 2016. Cause of death: Spence died at age 23 following a car accident in Tennessee. Johns left behind a wife, Stacey, whom he married in 2007, and a legion of fans and admirers, includingCowell, whotweeted,"A truly great guy. Fans will recall she competed on the inaugural season of the Fox reality show, coming in third behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson, who took home top honors. Click the photo above to watch the video. ", Abdul, 46, has been in and out of the spotlight for more than two decades. Alexis Cohen was featured in the auditions episodes of Seasons 7 and 8. Rest in peace Michael.". Your email address will not be published. 2023 Tony Awards slugfest: Final predictions for play nominations [WATCH], 2023 Tony Awards slugfest: Final predictions for musical nominations [WATCH], "I watched the first three episodes and my opinion is the same as", David. Breakdowns, Suicides: The Dark Side of Reality TV - ABC News Detective Robert Bub, of Los Angeles police, said he thought Paula Goodspeed had died of "suicide by overdose". Show history: Cohen, who auditioned twice, told the camera when she tried out for Season 7, I march to the beat of a different drummer. That was an understatement. "I wasn't ready to accept the fact that I had to come back and give up music," he told USA Today in 2008. That's rude. Do not avoid these conversations. Click here to vote now! Topics; Paula Abdul; When he said he hadnt, Abdul knew immediately who really sent them: ex-American Idol contestant Paula Goodspeed, according to the source. Raiola had been a main character on the VH1 show since 2012. Watch Access Hollywood Monday and Tuesday nights for more of Paulas interview, and check back here soon to read about Paulas relationship with new Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. 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. 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. After finding out about the woman's death, Abdul moved out of her Sherman Oaks home and has been staying with friends while she looks for somewhere new to buy. 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. 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. Abdul was at the American Idol studio when Goodspeed was found. 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. 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. Ive always believed that. It must have gone crazy.'. News. Click here to vote now! Alexis Cohen made a lasting impression in 2008, even though the Pennsylvania native's vocals fell flat. All four judges fought over him during his blind auditions, and many fans thought he was going to win the competition. 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. The news left fans devastated, but many also looked back on the incredible voice he displayed on the show. 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. She had been a stalker from [awhile back.] 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 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. News, falling toFantasia Barrinowho was crowned the winner. Emily Sheridan When asked today on "GMA" whether she thought the judging on the show should be "rethought," Abdul said, "I don't think Simon Cowell will rethink anything.