Gabourey Sidibe’s Mother, America’s Got Talent Star Alice ‘Tan’ Ridley, Dead at 72

Emmy-winning actress “Tan” Ridley, a star in her own right, gained national recognition when she made it to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent in 2010.

Tragically, Alice Ann Ridley-Sidibe, affectionately known as “Tan” by friends and family, passed away on March 25, 2024, at the age of 72, as per her obituary. Her loss has deeply saddened her family, including her daughter Gabourey Sidibe.

Before her passing, the talented singer and breakout star of America’s Got Talent made it all the way to the judges’ vote during the semi-finals of the show’s fifth season in 2010. Despite her remarkable performance, she unfortunately fell short of securing a spot in the season’s Top 10, which was won by Jackie Evancho.

Born on December 21, 1952, in Georgia, Alice Ann Ridley-Sidibe was a prominent figure in the New York singing circuit. Her obituary described her as a “pillar of the New York singing circuit.” After graduating from high school in 1969, she pursued her teaching aspirations and obtained her teaching license. Subsequently, she became a paraprofessional at PS 134 in New York City, where she dedicated herself to working with differently abled children, as reported by Nation.

Ridley, the seventh of eight children in a musical family, married Ibnou Sidibe and had two children of her own, Gabourey and her brother Ahmed. However, after a tumultuous marriage, they divorced.

Outside of her family, Ridley’s obituary mentions that she sang at various venues, including subway stations, particularly at Herald Square for over thirty years. She was often accompanied by family members during these performances. Additionally, she was a paid singer at The Harlem’s Cotton Club for many years.

Ridley’s talent extended beyond her family. She participated in the television show “America’s Got Talent” and later competed on “Showtime at the Apollo” in 2005. In 2002, she won the first episode of “30 Seconds to Fame.” Her performances included singing “Amazing Grace” in David LaChapelle’s documentary “Rize” and “America the Beautiful” in the 2005 film “Heights.”

Ridley’s acting career also earned her an Emmy in 2007 for her role in the television series “Military Families.” At the age of 63, she released her debut album, titled “Never Lost My Way,” in 2016.

Ridley is survived by her children, brothers James D. “Jimmy” Ridley and Tommy Lee “Tom-Tom” Cherry, sisters Julia Van Mater-Miller and Mildred Riley Dent, as well as twin grandchildren.