Simon Cowell: Paula Goodspeed's Death "Hit Us Like an Express Train"

Us Magazine - December 18, 2008 3:25 PM PST
Story photo: Simon Cowell: Paula Goodspeed's Death Us Magazine
Simon Cowell told Usmagazine.com that the suicide of Paula Abdul's stalker, Paula Goodspeed shocked him.

"It's a human tragedy," the American Idol judge told Us in a telephone conference call on Wednesday. "It hit us like an express train."

See photos of American Idol most controversial contestants.

He added: "What happened was awful. My regret in all of this was that we didn't know how troubled this person was. If I could've gone back in time and known what she was going through, I wish that we could've spent time trying to help her, but we genuinely didn't know."

He also defended the producers of American Idol, who have received criticism for allowing Goodspeed to audition.

"These guys have the utmost integrity as human beings," Cowell said. "We wouldn't work with them if they were the kind of people who would deliberately do something like that. We've taken them on their word that they didn't know that this person was as troubled as she was. These aren't bad people. All they want to do is make a successful show. I spoke to them after the incident, and they were absolutely horrified."

Go behind the scenes at last season's Idol finale.

Although controversies surrounding contestants or judges on the show can help ratings, Cowell sees this much differently.

"I don't like that kind of controversy connected to the show because it upset me a lot," he said. "But I have to respect the fact that the media have been supporters of the show from day one, and they have every right to question us, and all we can do is respond with the truth in return."

The news that American Idol will have a fourth judge -- songwriter Kara DioGuardi -- this season, however, is a controversy that the show hopes will boost viewership.

Take a look at Idol stars then-and-now.

"I have no idea whether this is going to work out or not," Cowell told Us. "It's only when we watch the show back when we know whether this has been a good idea or a bad idea. Something I do support is at least trying new things. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't work, but that's just sort of the delicious thrill about making reality television."

He added: "Part of me says, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'"

More news from Usmagazine.com

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comments 1-10 of 16  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Muhammad Bello Y
    I'm wondering when I saw your commences while, but live is just like weather. It may changes at all the time. likewise, the heart would realising all the fact in a direminute at to day or tomorrow. thanks.
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 5:39 PM PST
  • Muhammad Bello Y
    I'm wondering when I saw your commences while, but live is just like weather. It may changes at all the time. likewise, the heart would realising all the fact in a direminute at to day or tomorrow. thanks.
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 5:39 PM PST
  • Limda L
    LOL.... search " My Discount Bag " on google to get the same designer bags with Karolina. " My Discount Bag " is just for fashion ladies, wow! Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Coach, Miu Miu, Dior, Hermes, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana Women's shoes ***u g g b a r g a i n ***
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 4:23 PM PST
  • wheaties
    I am shaking in anger. what a boob!
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 3:52 PM PST
  • kendra
    i agree with warren. bullsh#t that they would have done something"had they known". they would have chalked her upto being a crackpot and ignored her just likethey did. $$$ and ratings are the only things they care about. i hate this show now, not just because of this but it's sooooo boring now.
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 3:35 PM PST
  • jogi
    and i wish i could go back in time and talk hitler out of invading poland..
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 5:22 AM PST
  • cookiemonster77
    im starting to get annoyed with this show.... but i really only watch the auditions which are hilarious!
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 3:06 AM PST
  • Haolejohnny
    How can you blame anybody until you blame yourself? It is the structure of our society that has created this. We judge people by how they look what they wear, by their families wealth or lack there of. That is the pressures put on young people. They want to fit in somewhere and can feel worthless without love and acceptance. You blame a T.V. show for doing this to her? Blame yourself 2.
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 12:58 AM PST
  • LilOldPanda
    I watched the show once and nearly threw out my TV set since I thought it was so awful how they exploit all those young singer wannabes. It's a shame that they are allowed to produce this kind of rubbish, but then, you just have to look at all the trash that's on the tube that passes for entertainment to see that it's just another one of those trashy shows that makes money
    report abuseposted December 18, 2008 12:38 AM PST
  • NICK
    Godspeed's blood is on the producer's hands. Cowell doesn't care about anyone but himself and his bank account.
    report abuseposted December 17, 2008 11:44 PM PST
comments 1-10 of 16  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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