Cowell defends 'Idol' bosses

Simon Cowell has spoken in defence of American Idol producers, insisting that they are not responsible for the death of Paula Abdul's stalker.

Paula Goodspeed was found dead outside Abdul's California home on November 11 this year. The Idol judge later blamed the show's producers for allowing Goodspeed to get near her during auditions in 2006.

However, Cowell has lashed out at criticism of Idol bosses, insisting that they have the "utmost integrity as human beings".

"We wouldn't work with them if they were the kind of people who would deliberately do something like that," he told US Weekly.

"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."

Recently a leaked memo revealed that American Idol would be getting an overhaul for next season.