'American Idol' tragedy

American Idol is getting some unwanted attention this week, after a former contestant, who was criticized on the show, was found dead from an apparent suicide. Paula Goodspeed, who auditioned for the show in 2005, was reported missing and suicidal by her mother and was found dead on Tuesday in her car in front of Idol judge Paula Abdul's house.

Abdul released a statement saying, "I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired yesterday. My heart and prayers go out to her family."

The incident brings up the issue of harsh criticisms by the judges and how they can affect contestants on the show. Bloggers and commenters have brought up these issues, with one blogger asking, "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?"