The Associated Press
Tuesday, July 31, 2007; 8:03 PM

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.

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.