The talented Alice Tan Ridley, known for her captivating performances on America’s Got Talent in 2010, tragically passed away on March 25 at the age of 72, as confirmed by an obituary released by her family. Ridley’s extraordinary journey as a singer began decades earlier, as she mesmerized audiences in the bustling subway stations of New York City, showcasing her remarkable vocal talent against the backdrop of urban life. Her story is one of resilience and passion, illustrating how dreams can be pursued at any stage in life, making her legacy even more inspiring to aspiring artists everywhere.
Ridley was not only a gifted singer but also the proud mother of Gabourey Sidibe, the renowned Precious and American Horror Story actress. At the age of 58, she took a bold step to fulfill her lifelong dream of singing by competing on season 5 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent. During her memorable audition, she impressed the judges with her stunning rendition of Etta James’ classic hit “At Last,” captivating the audience with her heartfelt performance and sharing her inspiring story of singing on subway platforms for many years. After her audition, judge Sharon Osbourne expressed amazement at Ridley’s talent, remarking, “Alice, millions of people must’ve gone back and forth on that subway over the 20 years. How come nobody signed you?” This moment highlighted the often-overlooked talent that resides within everyday life.
Alice Ridley’s journey on AGT was remarkable, as she advanced to the semifinals of season 5, where she competed against talented acts, including the eventual winner, singer/songwriter Michael Grimm, and the young prodigy, 10-year-old Jackie Evancho, who finished in second place. Following her appearance on the show, Ridley released her debut album, titled Never Lost My Way, in 2016 at the age of 63, allowing her to share her music with a broader audience and establish herself as a recording artist, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and make an impact in the music industry.
Alice Ridley was born in Lumpkin, Georgia, in 1952 and later moved to New York as an adult, where she earned her teaching license, showcasing her dedication to education alongside her passion for music. Throughout her career, she not only sang in the subway but also graced the stage of Harlem’s Cotton Club, performing during their “Brunch and Gospel” sessions on Sundays, further demonstrating her versatility and commitment to sharing her gift with diverse audiences.
Surviving Alice Ridley are her two children: a son named Ahmed Sidibe and her Oscar-nominated daughter, Gabourey Sidibe, who made a significant impact in the film industry with her debut in the title role of Precious in 2009. Gabourey has continued to build a successful career, appearing in five seasons of the acclaimed American Horror Story anthology series and playing the role of Becky in the Fox musical drama series Empire, which aired from 2015 to 2020. The artistic spirit of Alice Ridley lives on through her children, who have made their own indelible marks in the entertainment industry.
