Remembering Alice Tan Ridley: A Tribute to the Beloved America’s Got Talent Star and Gabourey Sidibe’s Mother Who Passed Away at 72

Alice Tan Ridley, the mother of actress Gabourey Sidibe, has passed away at the age of 72.

According to her obituary, she died on March 25 in New York City.

Ridley was not only known for being the mother of the award-winning star of Precious, but also recognized as a talented singer in her own right.

The Georgia native was celebrated as a powerhouse performer, frequently seen singing in New York subways. Her talent gained national recognition in 2010 during her appearance on America’s Got Talent.

“Alice is just brilliant,” remarked judge Piers Morgan after her rendition of “At Last.”

Judge Howie Mandel expressed admiration for Ridley’s journey on the show, stating, “Every time she moves on, it’s heartwarming and moving.”

Born on December 21, 1952, Ridley was the seventh of eight siblings in her family.

She graduated from Stewart County High School in 1969 and later earned her teaching license from the New York State Board of Education. Ridley worked as a teacher at PS 134, as noted in her obituary.

She married Ibnou Sidibe, Gabourey Sidibe’s father, in 1980 and welcomed their daughter in 1983. The couple had a son, Ahmed Sidibe, before ultimately divorcing. Despite their separation, they maintained a friendly relationship over the years.

Ridley was recognized as “a pillar of the New York City singing circuit,” primarily performing at Herald Square for over three decades.

She also served as a paid singer at Harlem’s Cotton Club.

Beyond her subway performances and her time on AGT, Ridley also appeared on Showtime at the Apollo in 2005 and was featured in photographer David LaChapelle’s award-winning documentary Rize that same year.

Her accolades include an Emmy for her role in the 2007 documentary Military Families. In 2016, she released her debut studio album, Never Lost My Way.

In 2010, Israeli student Dvir Assouline began managing Ridley after seeing the crowds she attracted while singing in subways. He noted, “Whenever I saw her performing, there were always hundreds of people around her. She brought joy to so many people every day.”

Ridley is survived by two brothers — James D. “Jimmy” Ridley and Tommy Lee “Tom-Tom” Cherry — as well as two sisters, Julia Van Mater-Miller and Mildred Ridley Dent. She is also survived by twin grandchildren, Cooper and Maya, and a large extended family.

In her memory, memorial trees can be planted and purchased, as stated in her obituary.