Yahoo Lifestyle 'America's Got Talent' Contestant Dead at 72
America's Got Talent contestant Alice Tan Ridley, the mother of Oscar-nominated Precious actress Gabourey Sidibe, is dead at 72.
On March 25, 2025, the singer died in New York City, an obituary published by Sconiers Funeral Home in Columbus, Ga., confirmed.
Affectionately known as "Tan" by her loved ones, Ridley "was a pillar of the New York City singing circuit," according to the obituary. "She sang at various venues to include the subway stations, primarily at Herald Square for over thirty years. She was a paid singer at The Harlem’s Cotton Club for many years."
In 2010, Ridley competed in Season 5 of America's Got Talent, finishing in the top 12.
"My daughter is a big star, but I'm still pursuing my dream, which is become a great singer," she said during her initial audition episode. "I've been singing since I was young. Now I am singing underground in the subway stations. I love singing in the subway. I love to see the smiles on people's faces."
Ridley added, "This is what I've been pursuing all of my life. Maybe this is it, from the subway to the big stage."
She blew judges Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan away with her soulful rendition of "At Last."
Ridley was also a contestant on Showtime at the Apollo (2005), was featured in David Chapelle’s documentary Rize (2005), won the first episode of 30 Seconds to Fame (2002) and won an Emmy for her role in Military Families (2007). She released her debut album Never Lost My Way in 2016.
In addition to Gabourey, Ridley is survived by a son, Ahmed Sidibe, two brothers, two sisters and twin grandchildren.
