Alice Tan Ridley, 'America's Got Talent' singer and Gabourey Sidibe's mother, dead at 72
Share and Follow

A beloved New York City subway singer who was launched into stardom on “America’s Got Talent” has died at age 72.

Alice Tan Ridley, the mother of Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, died on March 25 in New York City.

Her death was confirmed by her loved ones, including the “Precious” actress, 41, in an obituary published by Sconiers Funeral Home in Columbus, Ga.  

No cause of death was announced.

Born on December 21, 1952, in New York City, she graduated from Stewart County High School in 1969. After that, she obtained her teaching license from the New York State Board of Education.

Ridley then kickstarted a career as a special education teacher in Brooklyn.

In 1980, she married Ibnou Sidibe. The pair went on to welcome the “Empire” actress in 1983, as well as son Ahmed.

The duo ultimately divorced, but remained on good terms in the years after their split, the obituary added.

She was well known as a significant figure in the New York City music scene, where she performed for over thirty years at Herald Square’s subway station.

She later began singing in the subway for tips, performing power ballads like “I Will Always Love You,” “I Will Survive” and “My Heart Will Go On.”

She later secured a paid singing opportunity at Harlem’s Cotton Club. Her career took a turn for the better when she won $25,000 on the 2002 premiere episode of Fox’s “30 Seconds to Fame” and subsequently appeared on “Showtime at the Apollo.”

She appeared on TV screens again in 2005 performing “Amazing Grace” in David LaChapelle’s documentary “Rize,” as well as “America the Beautiful” in the 2005 film “Heights.”

Ridley went on to win an Emmy for her part in the 2007 documentary “Military Families.”

In 2010, Ridley put her vocal talent to the test by auditioning for “America’s Got Talent.”

Her cover of Etta James’ “At Last” propelled her all the way to the semi-finals.

Judge Howie Mandel was taken aback by Ridley’s singing abilities, saying at the time, “Every time she moves on, it’s heartwarming and moving.”

Following her stints on TV, Ridley released her debut album, titled “Never Lost My Way,” in 2016.

The album proved to be a streaming hit, but didn’t stop her from returning to performing in the subway.

In 2018 she began to suffer from dementia — which prompted her to hit the brakes on her career and subsequently retire, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Ridley is survived by her two children, grandchildren, her two brothers, two sisters, and other relatives.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Stunned Melania flinches as Trump urges B2 pilots to reveal identities

Melania appears surprised as Trump requests B2 pilots to reveal themselves

First lady Melania Trump gave President Donald Trump a pointed glance when he…
Joyful Parisians take a historic plunge into the Seine after 100 years

Excited Paris residents jump into the Seine River after a century.

Cries of “It is warm!” rang out across the Seine on Saturday…
Cops detail Caitlyn Jenner's manager's final moments before crash

Caitlyn Jenner’s Manager’s Final Moments Before Crash: Police Report

Sophia Hutchins was involved in a tragic incident where she was speeding…
Worker is arrested after being accidentally paid $400k by employer

Employee arrested for receiving $400k payment by mistake

A Florida horse clinic mistakenly paid a receptionist with a veterinarian’s checks and…
Caitlin Clark loved her Fever coach getting technical foul — and offered to pay the fine

Caitlin Clark Appreciates Her Fever Coach’s Technical Foul and Offers to Cover the Fine

Caitlin Clark supported Fever head coach Stephanie White’s decision to pick up…
Logan Square fire today: 3 kids among 5 hospitalized after house fire, stabbing in 3600-block of West Palmer Street, source says

Five people, including three children, taken to hospital after a house fire and stabbing incident on West Palmer Street in Logan Square today, according to reports.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Five people, including three children, were hospitalized after a…
Dakota Johnson and Kate Hudson cuddle up on star-studded yacht

Dakota Johnson and Kate Hudson cozy up on luxurious yacht surrounded by celebrities

Bikini-clad Dakota Johnson and BFF Kate Hudson cuddled up for a friendly…
Air France-KLM to take majority stake in Scandinavian airline SAS

Air France-KLM to acquire a larger portion of Scandinavian airline SAS

Air France-KLM intends to raise its ownership in the Scandinavian carrier SAS…