Movies

Alice Tan Ridley, ‘America’s Got Talent’ singer and Gabourey Sidibe’s mother, dies

BBG News

Alice Tan Ridley, once a vocalist who showcased her robust singing talent in the New York City subway system, later gracing “America’s Got Talent” stage, and mom to Academy Award-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, passed away.

On March 25, Ridley passed away in New York City, as stated in an obituary posted on the Sconiers Funeral Home website. The cause of her death remains undisclosed. At the time of her passing, she was 72 years old.

The obituary depicted Ridley, affectionately called “Tan” by her loved ones, as a cornerstone of New York City’s music scene. Singing was a natural gift bestowed upon Ridley, and she showcased this talent extensively across the city through concerts at various subway stations, with Herald Square being a significant venue. The obituary mentioned that she also performed as a paid singer at the renowned Cotton Club of Harlem.

Music

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As a movie enthusiast looking back, I can’t help but remember Ridley, once a dedicated teacher, who made a stunning transformation on America’s Got Talent during its fifth season. While my daughter Gabourey was receiving accolades for her heart-wrenching portrayal in “Precious” during the awards season, Ridley decided to chase her own dreams at the age of 57. Captivating both the audience and the judges – Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel, and Piers Morgan – with her emotionally resonant rendition of Etta James’ “At Last,” she managed to win their approval. The trio of judges unanimously decided to advance Ridley, and throughout the competition, she continued to showcase her powerful voice by performing hits by Creedence Clearwater Revival and Gladys Knight.

To Osbourne, Ridley was an effortless entertainer, boasting a robust and impactful vocal ability. Unfortunately, Ridley’s incredible performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” on “America’s Got Talent” didn’t make it past the semifinals.

For Ridley, “America’s Got Talent” wasn’t her sole stage. Even after being eliminated, she expanded her performances to diverse venues such as New York’s Highline Ballroom and daytime television, featuring on Harry Connick Jr.’s talk show, “Harry.

In 2017, I shared with an entertainer my passion for singing, adding that I’ve noticed a common melancholy among commuters in subway stations. People often seem down about their jobs or the day ahead, and it shows on their faces. But I aim to change that – I strive to transform those frowns into smiles through my music.

California

95-year-old Altadena local, Dalyce Curry, passed away in her residence during the Eaton fire. Notably, Curry featured in various movies, such as “The Blues Brothers.

Following her appearance on “AGT,” Ridley additionally launched her first album, titled “Never Lost My Way,” in the year 2016. Aside from her stint on “AGT,” Ridley had also been a contestant on “Showtime at the Apollo,” featured in the 2005 documentary “Rize,” and competed in the TV show “30 Seconds to Fame,” as mentioned in her obituary.

Hailing from Lumpkin, Georgia, on December 21, 1952, Ridley was the second-youngest among eight siblings born to Melton Lee Ridley and Lessie B. Ridley. Her sister, civil rights activist Dorothy Pitman Hughes, passed away in December 2022.

In 1969, the singer completed her high school education at Stewart County High School and later earned her teaching license through further studies. She tied the knot with Ibnou Sidibe in 1980, and together they raised two children, Gabourey and their son Ahmed Sidibe. In 2017, the actor from “Empire” disclosed that his parents had separated early in their daughter’s childhood following the discovery of her father’s second family. Despite this challenging situation, the former couple maintained a cordial relationship according to the obituary.

Besides her children, Ridley is also mourned by her brothers James D. “Jimmy” Ridley and Tommy Lee “Tom-Tom” Cherry, sisters Julia Van Mater-Miller and Mildred Ridley Dent, grandchildren Cooper and Maya, along with numerous other loved relatives.

On Saturday, the family will organize a funeral service in Georgia and then proceed with a burial close to where she was born.

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2025-04-10 22:31

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