Alice Tan Ridley, a 58-year-old mother of two, walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage with a story that immediately fascinated the judges and the audience. For over 20 years, Alice had been performing in the New York City subway stations, sharing her gift with commuters to see smiles on their faces while pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a professional singer. Interestingly, Alice is also the mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, but she made it clear that while her daughter is a star, she was there to finally claim her own moment in the sun.
The moment Alice began her rendition of Etta James’ classic “At Last,” the entire theater was transformed by her immense vocal power and soulful delivery. Her voice, seasoned by decades of singing underground, possessed a depth and richness that few performers can achieve. The judges sat in stunned silence as she effortlessly hit every iconic note, proving that her talent was far too large for the subway platforms she had called home for two decades. The audience erupted in a standing ovation, moved by the raw emotion and triumph of her performance.
The feedback from the panel was nothing short of legendary. Piers Morgan noted that in terms of “raw talent,” it was the best audition of the day, while Howie Mandel expressed disbelief that millions of people had passed her in the subway without someone signing her to a record deal. After receiving three enthusiastic “Yes” votes, Alice was sent straight to Las Vegas. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that dreams don’t have an expiration date and that true talent will eventually find its way into the light.
