Precious Mom a Subway Singing Star

Alice Tan Ridley, the mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, didn’t give up her job following her daughter’s huge success in the lead role in Precious. Ridley has a popular act belting R&B tunes in the busiest subway stops in New York, including Times Square. "My name is not on Gabby's paycheck," Ridley cheerily told the New York Post. The former nursery school teacher made singing her full-time job 18 years ago, and has had gigs in Chile, Argentina, and Germany. Ridley’s singing helped Sidibe nab her breakout role. "Four years ago, they asked me to play the part of the mother [in Precious]," Ridley said. "But 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."