Ex-‘Idol’ contestant arrested on drug charges

Corey Clark booted from show in 2003 for failing to reveal previous arrest

Former “American Idol” contestant Corey Clark was arrested in Pulaski County, Ark., on drug charges and an outstanding warrant from Arizona.

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updated 10:35 a.m. ET July 31, 2007

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Corey Clark has been arrested on drug charges and an outstanding warrant from Arizona, authorities said.

The former "American Idol" contestant was being held at the Pulaski County jail pending a court appearance Tuesday in North Little Rock, said John Rehrauer, a spokesman for the sheriff's department.

Clark was arrested near Interstate 40 at about 2:30 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, Rehrauer said.

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A warrant had been issued for Clark after he failed to appear in an Arizona court on a summons stemming from an arrest last year for violating a court order and trespassing.

Clark was disqualified after reaching the finals of the popular Fox TV show in 2003 for failing to reveal a previous arrest.

He later accused "Idol" judge Paula Abdul of coaching him and initiating an affair. She denied his allegations, and Fox cleared Abdul of any wrongdoing.