Gabourey Sidibe's Mom Seeks Fame on 'America's Got Talent'

By Gary Susman Posted May 4th 2010 01:54PM

After the rags-to-riches success story of Gabourey Sidibe over the last year, can a similar Cinderella moment be far behind for her mother?

The 'Precious' star's mom, veteran New York City subway performer Alice Tan Ridley, auditioned recently for 'America's Got Talent.' According to Radar Online, the R&B singer says she thinks she did well and hinted that we're likely to see a lot of her once the NBC talent competition's next season begins on June 1.

Ridley auditioned for judges Piers Morgan, Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne at the Hammerstein Ballroom, a celebrated auditorium directly above one of her frequent busking spots, the subway station at 34th Street and 8th Avenue. "I was pleased with my performance, and I think that I did well, actually," she told Radar. "The judges knew who I was and the audience really supported me, so I think that I can make it through to the next stage."

She added, "I've been told not to say too much, though. People will just have to watch the show to see how I did -- I better not say anything else in case I get into trouble!"

Radar hints that producers would like to groom the middle-aged singer into another Susan Boyle. Does she actually have the vocal chops to rise to that level? Judge for yourself by listening to the tracks posted at her MySpace page, or by watching videos of her subway performances posted at fan site alicetanridley.com.

Ridley told the New York Post that she was actually offered the mother role in 'Precious,' but that "being a mom and teacher, I just couldn't play that part. It was just too hard ... I read the book, and I gave it to Gabby. Her friends encouraged her to try out for 'Precious,' and she got it."

Tags: americas got talent, gabourey sidibe

Comments

(5)

Tuesday 04 May

By JEN

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Wow - shes awesome. Can't wait to watch the show.
Good luck MAMA SIDIBE

By Jade

I agree Jen, soooo awesome.

By waldenburg45

I've been watching and listening to this singer for months. It's amazing to me that she has stayed under the radar for so long. Very pleased to hear of her success. In response to Michael K-how unfortunate. Perhaps it's a touch of food poisoning or stomach flu.

Wednesday 05 May

By Tee Tee

I was pleasantly surprised to find out today that the woman I had been seeing in Penn Station over the past year or so is Gabby's mom. I had no clue, but I knew the woman could certain "blow". I always stopped to hear her singing. I hope she makes it!

By KONNIE AND SWEEYHEART

Jessica lokks like Fay Wray.

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