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
Kelly Clarkson 'devastated' after abruptly canceling first shows of Las Vegas residency

Kelly Clarkson deeply upset after suddenly canceling initial performances of Las Vegas residency

Kelly Clarkson had to breakaway from her Las Vegas residency. Due to…
Kerrville, Texas flooding: Camp girls missing after Guadalupe River flood waters hit Camp Mystic; at least 27 dead

Search Operation Underway for Missing Girls at Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas Following Flooding and 27 Fatalities Reported

KERRVILLE, Texas — Rescuers were searching Saturday for more than two dozen…
Independence Day 2025: Chicago-area suburbs celebrate 4th of July with events, including Aurora, Bartlett, Highland Park | LIVE

“2025 Independence Day Celebrations in Chicago Suburbs: Aurora, Bartlett, Highland Park Events | LIVE Coverage”

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — The red, white, blue was on full display…
Meghan Markle mocked as she flaunts sold-out As Ever spread

Meghan Markle ridiculed for showing off sold-out As Ever collection

In honor of the Fourth of July holiday, Meghan Markle posted a clip…
Heartbroken family of late soccer player Diogo Jota arrives at funeral in Portugal

Diogo Jota’s grieving family attends his funeral in Portugal

Liverpool players had come together in the quaint Portuguese town of Gondomar…
Heroes, zeros from Mets' Subway Series win: Jeff McNeil came through

“Highlighting Mets’ Subway Series Win: Jeff McNeil Shines as Hero”

Heroes, zeros and the inside pitch from the Mets’ 6-5 win over the…
Joey Chestnut makes triumphant return to July 4 Hot Dog Eating Contest

Joey Chestnut successfully comes back to compete in the July 4 Hot Dog Eating Competition

Famed competitive eater Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut reclaimed his title Friday at the…
Man arrested on corpse abuse charges in Montevallo

Individual apprehended for mistreating a dead body in Montevallo

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) — A 56-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges…