Gabourey Sidibe's mother is using Kickstarter to make an album

theGRIO REPORT - Gabourey Sidibe's 62-year-old mother has been singing in NYC subway stations for 25 years and needs help to complete her album of soulful original recordings...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Gabourey Sidibe just wants to see her mother live out her dreams of being a singer.

The Empire actress has recently joined forces with her mother via a Kickstarter campaign to do just that.

Gabourey’s 62-year-old mother, Alice Tan Ridley, has been singing in New York City subway stations for 25 years and needs help to complete her album of soulful original recordings and classic renditions.

Five years ago, Alice appeared on America’s Got Talent and was hoping the national exposure she received would lead to a record deal, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

Gabourey recently tweeted out the Kickstarter link to her mother’s campaign, writing, “So proud and inspired by my talented MOM with guts of steel and the voice of an Angel. Never give up on your dreams!” How sweet is that?

Five lucky fans who pledge $1,500 will have a chance to have dinner with Alice and Gabourey herself.

Follow theGrio.com’s Entertainment Editor Chris Witherspoon on Twitter @WitherspoonC.

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