A former American Idol hopeful is believed to have committed suicide outside the home of Paula Abdul.

The body of a woman – thought to have been stalking the talent judge – was found in a car yards from Paula's L.A. mansion last night.

TMZ has identified the dead woman as Paula Goodspeed, a contestant who failed to pass the audition stage on the 2006 season of American Idol but this is yet to be officially confirmed.

A Ventura Police Department spokesperson said the parents of the victim - who died from a suspected drug overdose - told them she was a "big fan" of the former singer when they called to report her missing at 3pm yesterday.

Her parents reportedly told police to 'check' Paula's home because she was obsessed with the singer and judge.

Police sources have reportedly said they think she is an alleged stalker, with cops having been to the house "numerous times before" to deal with her.

Paula was at an American Idol special at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood at the time the body was found.