Tragedy struck American Idol this week:

Season five contestant Paula Goodspeed - a mentally troubled Paula Abdul fan - was found dead outside the home of the American Idol judge.

"Ms. Goodspeed's mother had gone to [the sheriff's department] to report her daughter missing, and advised them that she might be suicidal," said Los Angeles police Capt. James Miller. "The sheriffs 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."

The death has been ruled an apparent suicide.

Here's a video of Goodspeed's failed audition. In light of recent events, it's disheartening to hear how obsessed she appeared to be with Abdul:

[video url="http://www.tvfanatic.com/videos/paula-goodspeed-american-idol-audition/" title="Paula Goodspeed, American Idol Audition"]

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.