*Gabourey Sidibe is grieving the loss of her mother, Alice Ann Ridley-Sidibe, who passed away on March 25 at the age of 72.
Ridley (affectionately known as “Tan”) was best known to the public for her powerful voice and her appearance on “America’s Got Talent” in 2010, where she reached the semi-finals. “My daughter is a big star, but I’m still pursuing my dream, which is become a great singer,” she said during her initial audition episode in Season 5.
“I’ve been singing since I was young. Now I am singing underground in the subway stations. I love singing in the subway. I love to see the smiles on people’s faces,” she continued.
“This is what I’ve been pursuing all of my life. Maybe this is it, from the subway to the big stage,” Ridley added.
Ridley “was a pillar of the New York City singing circuit,” per the obituary. “She sang at various venues to include the subway stations, primarily at Herald Square for over thirty years. She was a paid singer at The Harlem’s Cotton Club for many years.”
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According to the obituary, Ridley regularly performed in subway stations at Herald Square, often accompanied by her family. She also held a long-standing role as a paid singer at Harlem’s iconic Cotton Club.
In addition to her “America’s Got Talent” run, Ridley competed on “Showtime at the Apollo” in 2005, won the premiere episode of “30 Seconds to Fame” in 2002, and sang in films such as “Rize” and “Heights.” Her performance resume also includes an Emmy win in 2007 for her role in “Military Families” and the release of her debut album “Never Lost My Way” in 2016, at the age of 63.
She is survived by her children, several siblings, and twin grandchildren.
The mother of Gabourey Sidibe, Alice Tan Ridley, who also competed on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ has passed away at 72. pic.twitter.com/MK3hrktZjs
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) April 9, 2025
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