A beloved New York Metropolis subway singer who was launched into stardom on “America’s Got Talent” has died at age 72.
Alice Tan Ridley, the mom of Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, died on March 25 in New York Metropolis.
Her dying was confirmed by her family members, together with the “Precious” actress, 41, in an obituary printed by Sconiers Funeral Dwelling in Columbus, Ga.
No explanation for dying was introduced.
Born on Dec. 21, 1952, the NYC native graduated from the Stewart County Excessive Faculty in 1969 earlier than she obtained her educating license from the New York State Board of Training.
Ridley then kickstarted a profession as a particular schooling trainer in Brooklyn.
In 1980, she married Ibnou Sidibe. The pair went on to welcome the “Empire” actress in 1983, in addition to son Ahmed.
The duo finally divorced, however remained on good phrases within the years after their break up, the obituary added.
Ridley was remembered as a “pillar of the New York City singing circuit” after spending greater than three a long time busking at Herald Sq.’s subway station.
She later started singing within the subway for ideas, performing energy ballads like “I Will Always Love You,” “I Will Survive” and “My Heart Will Go On.”
Ridley later managed to land a paid singing gig at Harlem’s Cotton Membership, earlier than successful $25,000 on the 2002 pilot of Fox’s “30 Seconds to Fame” and later showing on “Showtime at the Apollo.”
She appeared on TV screens once more in 2005 performing “Amazing Grace” in David LaChapelle’s documentary “Rize,” in addition to “America the Beautiful” within the 2005 movie “Heights.”
Ridley went on to win an Emmy for her half within the 2007 documentary “Military Families.”
In 2010, Ridley put her vocal expertise to the take a look at by auditioning for “America’s Got Talent.”
Her cowl of Etta James’ “At Last” propelled her all the way in which to the semi-finals.
Choose Howie Mandel was bowled over by Ridley’s singing talents, saying on the time, “Every time she moves on, it’s heartwarming and moving.”
Following her stints on TV, Ridley launched her debut album, titled “Never Lost My Way,” in 2016.
The album proved to be a streaming hit, however didn’t cease her from returning to performing within the subway.
In 2018 she started to undergo from dementia — which prompted her to hit the brakes on her profession and subsequently retire, in accordance with the Hollywood Reporter.
Ridley is survived by her two youngsters, grandchildren, her two brothers, two sisters, and different family members.
