Heartbreaking News: Alice Tan Ridley, ‘AGT’ Contestant & Mother of Gabourey Sidibe, Passes Away at 72
Alice Tan Ridley, best known as the powerhouse vocalist from AGT and mother of actress Gabourey Sidibe, has passed away at the age of 72.
According to her obituary, Ridley died on March 25 in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of strength, soul, and song. Her death comes as a painful reminder that life is short, and talent like hers is rare.
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Alice Tan Ridley Was More Than Just Gabourey Sidibe’s Mother — She Was A Star In Her Own Right
Long before America’s Got Talent came calling, Alice Tan Ridley was already legendary to those who passed her on the streets of New York. For over 30 years, she was a fixture in Herald Square, using her powerful voice to stop busy commuters in their tracks.
According to her obituary, Ridley was known as “a pillar of the New York City singing circuit,” blessing the city with her gift every day like it was church.
And when AGT gave her a national stage? She showed the world exactly why New York already claimed her as one of their own.
She also appeared on Showtime at the Apollo in 2005 and was featured in photographer David LaChapelle’s award-winning documentary Rize that same year.
This wasn’t just someone’s mama. This was a queen who made music from the heart.
Alice Tan Ridley’s Legacy Lives On Through Her Family & Her Music
While Gabourey Sidibe has not yet released a public statement regarding her mother’s passing, there’s no doubt her heart is heavy.
Ridley is survived by two brothers — James D. “Jimmy” Ridley and Tommy Lee “Tom-Tom” Cherry — and two sisters, Julia Van Mater-Miller and Mildred Ridley Dent. She also leaves behind twin grandchildren, Cooper and Maya, and a host of relatives who will carry her memory forward, PEOPLE reports.
Her story is a testimony to resilience, a Black woman raising a star, while shining bright herself.
She represents every unsung Black woman grinding for her family, using her gift without ever needing validation from Hollywood.
Her life was real. Her voice was real. And her story will never be forgotten.
May her voice continue to echo in the streets of New York and in the hearts of those who loved her.