Gabourey Sidibe's Mom Sings in the Subway

The mother of Oscar®-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe makes a living singing in the New York City subway. INSIDE EDITION reports.

As a blizzard blanketed New York City, a 57-year-old woman trudged through the snow on her way to work.

“So, you come out rain or shine?” asked INSIDE EDITION’s Megan Alexander.

 

“Yes...I’m like the mailman!” she said.

She's pulling a suitcase, carrying everything she needs for her job.

At the Union Square subway station in Manhattan she takes the elevator down and then she sets up her equipment. A crowd forms around her and then she begins to sing.

She’s the mother of Oscar®-nominated Gabourey Sidibe, the star of Precious.

“She's pretty incredible,” said an onlooker.

“What's it like to watch your daughter walk the red carpet at these award shows?” Alexander asked Alice Tan Ridley.

“My jaws hurts from smiling so much,” said a smiling Ridley.

Ridley is a former teacher's aide. She says growing up Gabby fought back tears about her weight.

“She has such strong confidence...what’s the secret?” Alexander asked.

“I tell her, ‘You have to love yourself, honey. God made everybody in the world. You feel like you’re gorgeous? Be gorgeous,' ” says Ridley.

So while all of America embraces a rising new star, her proud mother entertains people in her own special way.