Paula Abdul has slammed the producers of American Idol for ignoring her concerns about a stalker appearing on the show.

Abdul, a judge on the talent contest, said she repeatedly warned TV bosses that Paula Goodspeed was an obsessive fan who had written a number of “disturbing” letters to her during her career.

Instead, Abdul claimed that Goodspeed was allowed to appear because “it would make good television”.

Goodspeed was found dead last month in a car near to Abdul's home in Los Angeles. It's thought she had taken an overdose.

Abdul, who was appearing on Barbara Walters' US radio show, said she was “shocked and saddened” by Goodspeed's death.

When asked why she thought the singer was allowed on the programme, Abdul replied: 'I'm under contract'.

Goodspeed failed to get through the judging stage on the fifth series of the talent contest.

(by Jason Gregory)