Who was Alice Tan Ridley? All about AGT singer as she dies at 72

Alice Tan Ridley, the AGT performer and mother of actress Gabourey Sidibe, passed away on March 25, 2025, in New York City, at the age of 72. Known for her work in everyday New York settings; she built a reputation through routine subway performances and her appearance on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent in 2010.

Along with her music career, Alice Tan Ridley had a background in teaching and a life focused on family values. Read on to know more about her early life, the highlights of her career, and the balance she maintained between her personal and professional worlds.

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Alice Tan Ridley grew up in Georgia, worked as a teacher, and found early passion for music

Born on December 21, 1952, in Georgia, Alice Tan Ridley was the seventh of eight siblings. She completed her high school studies at Stewart County High School in 1969 and later earned a teaching license from the New York State Board of Education.

Before fully pursuing music, she taught at PS 134 in New York City. These early years in an educational setting provided her with a steady foundation and allowed her to develop a work ethic that would carry into her music career. Alice Tan Ridley's background in teaching and structured learning played a role in shaping the way she approached performance and life.

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She performed in New York subways and on America’s Got Talent, receiving national recognition

Alice Tan Ridley's journey in music took shape on the busy platforms and corridors of New York City subways, particularly around Herald Square, where she performed regularly for over three decades. Her local presence later extended to a national audience when she auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2010.

During her rendition of Etta James’ At Last, judge Piers Morgan remarked,

“Alice is just brilliant”

And Howie Mandel added,

“Every time she moves on, it’s heartwarming and moving.”

These comments reflect the straightforward impact of her performance and the clear connection she made with audiences using her authentic style.

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She balanced her personal life with her long-standing music career

Alice Tan Ridley managed family life alongside her music career. She married Ibnou Sidibe in 1980, and together they had two children, including Gabourey Sidibe.

Even after their divorce, the two maintained a cordial relationship, focused on raising their children. Alice continued to pursue music actively: she released her debut album, Never Lost My Way in 2016 and appeared in shows such as Showtime at the Apollo and the documentary Rize in 2005.

Dvir Assouline, her manager, observed, “Whenever I saw her performing, there were always hundreds of people around her. She brought joy to so many people every day.”

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Alice Tan Ridley’s life reflects a quiet dedication to her craft and her family. Her routine subway performances and national television appearance on America’s Got Talent remind us of a life adorned by steady commitment rather than flashiness. Balancing a role as an educator with that of a performer and a mother, Alice left an imprint on New York’s music scene that many appreciated.

Her story is one of sincere effort and personal focus. Alice Ridley's heritage lives on in the memories of the many who experienced her work.

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