Humiliating Idol Audition No Longer A Laughing Matter

The news that a former American Idol hopeful -- who had been harshly criticized by the judges during season five -- was found dead of an apparent suicide near the home of Paula Abdul is bringing attention to two issues: Are the judges too mean to some hopefuls? And how mentally stable are some of the people they make fun of in the first place?

Paula Goodspeed was portrayed as Paula Abdul's biggest fan when she tried out for American Idol during season five. After the show aired, it became apparent that she was not only a big fan, she was an obsessed fan.  According to police, Goodspeed showed up at Paula Abdul's Los Angeles home several times over the years before she was found dead of an apparent drug overdose near Paula's home this week.

Goodspeed reportedly had a difficult time dealing with the aftermath of her Idol appearance, during which Simon made fun of her braces and Paula said her performance had left her speechless in a bad way.

Oh her My Space page, Goodspeed responded to the "haters" who were making fun of her online. "It's very hard reading such awful things being written about yourself.....or hearing things being said..... not like a lot of people would understand what it's like having so many haters," she wrote, "just because I made the mistake of trying out for a singing competition before I was even ready vocally, emotionally and physically."

She added: "I have to believe there is something good about me."

Some  viewers on message boards and blogs have been blasting Idol for playing a part in the tragedy. "I have to admit, in my mind, it was only a matter of time before scathing criticism+public humiliation+ people who aren't quite in their right mind = American Idol related suicide," one poster wrote on TVGuide.com.

"Hope you judges have learned by this," one Us Weekly Magazine reader wrote.

According to TV Guide, American Idol had no comment when asked about the tragedy and whether or not it will impact the show's audition-round format in the future.

Paula Abdul released the following statement: "I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired yesterday. My heart and prayers go out to her family."