Actress Gabourey Sidibe’s Mother Auditions on ‘America’s Got Talent’

27-year-old actress Gabourey Sidibe made her acting debut in the critically acclaimed 2009 motion picture Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire. Sidibe received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Claireece “Precious” Jones in the film. According to Access Hollywood, the actress’ mother, Alice Tan Ridley, appeared on America’s Got Talent on Tuesday to audition for the reality competition series.

Ridley has performed in subway stations located around New York City over the past two decades and her rendition of Etta James’ “At Last” inspired the audience to rise to their feet and provide her with a standing ovation at the conclusion of her song. During her performance, America’s Got Talent host and husband of recording artist Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, said, “Sing it, mama!”

In response to Ridley’s impressive rendition of James’ classic song, judge Sharon Osbourne told the contestant, “Alice, millions of people must have gone back and forth on that subway over the last 20 years. How come nobody signed you?” Fellow judge Howie Mandel of Deal or No Deal fame told her, “What an amazing voice. I love what you did and you deserve to be heard by much more than everybody on the train.”

The 58-year-old contestant advanced to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent, and she expressed gratitude for the positive feedback that she received from the judges, telling them, “Thank you so much.”