Former "American Idol" Contestant Found Dead Near Abdul's Home

A former American Idol hopeful was found dead in a vehicle near judge and singer Paula Abdul's Los Angeles home Tuesday night in what authorities are calling a drug overdose, according to People magazine.

Paula Goodspeed was a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol. The 30-year-old's rendition of "Proud Mary" was mocked by the judges and Goodspeed did not progress to be a final contestant. She was reported missing on Tuesday by her mother, who advised authorities that her daughter might be suicidal.

"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 car, which was found parked a few houses away from Abdul's residence, had a license plate that read "ABL LV" and a picture of Abdul hanging from the rear view mirror. According to DMV records, the vehicle was registered to Goodspeed.

The LAPD is treating the case as an apparent suicide.