Alice Tan Ridley, the singer who appeared in the fifth season of America’s Got Talent in 2010, has passed away at the age of 72.
People confirmed that the talented singer breathed her last on March 25 in New York City.
Reportedly, she was honored in her obituary as "a pillar of the New York City singing circuit."
Ridley could primarily be seen singing at Herald Square for over three decades. Serving as a paid singer, she also worked at the Harlem Cotton Club.
In addition to her subway performances and competing on AGT, after which she was nationally recognised for her talent at the age of 58, the Georgia native appeared on Showtime at the Apollo in 2005 and was featured in comedian David Chapelle's award-winning documentary Rize.
Although she has forged an individual identity for as a known singer, Ridley was widely famous as the mother of the award-winning actress Gabourey Sidibe.
Ridley tied the knot with the Precious star’s father, Ibnou Sidibe, in 1980, followed by the arrival of Gabourey in 1983.
The former couple welcomed a son, Ahmed Sidibe, before parting their ways. However, they remain amicable for the sake of the kids.
Ridley is survived by two brothers, James D. "Jimmy" Ridley and Tommy Lee "Tom-Tom" Cherry, two sisters, Julia Van Mater-Miller and Mildred Ridley Dent, twin grandchildren, Cooper and Maya, and a host of relatives.