Jump to content

Amber Riley

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Riley (singer)" redirects here; not to be confused with Reiley (singer).

Amber Riley
Riley at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con
Born
Amber Patrice Riley

(1986-02-15) February 15, 1986 (age 39)
Compton, California, U.S.
Other namesRILEY
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2002–present
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Labels

Amber Patrice Riley[1] (born February 15, 1986)[2] sometimes known mononymously as Riley (stylized in all caps), is an American actress, singer and songwriter. She is best known for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones on the Fox comedy-drama series Glee (2009–2015). For her performance on the series, she was nominated for three NAACP Image Awards, and won a shared Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. As a member of the cast, Riley charted over 200 entries on the Billboard Hot 100,[3] and was nominated for a Grammy Award.[4]

In 2016, Riley originated the lead role of Effie White in the West End debut of Dreamgirls.[5] For her work, she won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical and Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Musical Performance in 2017.[5][6]

She's the winner of the 17th season of Dancing with the Stars (2013).[7] In 2017, Riley appeared as a judge on BBC One musical theatre talent show Let It Shine and formed a musical theatre supergroup with Beverley Knight and Cassidy Janson, known collectively as Leading Ladies and signed to East West Records/Warner. Their debut album, Songs from the Stage, was released on November 17, 2017. She also participated on the American and British versions of The Masked Singer, winning the 8th season of the American version, and being a finalist in the 4th season of the British version.

Early life

[edit]

Riley was born in Los Angeles County, California. Her parents, Tiny Riley (née Hightower) and Elwin Riley, divorced when she was a child. She was raised primarily by her mother, along with her two older sisters, Toiya and Ashley.[8] Riley auditioned for American Idol when she was 17 years old, during the show's second season, but was turned down by the producers.[9] She graduated from La Mirada High School in La Mirada, California in 2004.[8][10]

Career

[edit]

2009–2019: Breakthrough with Glee, Dreamgirls and other appearances

[edit]

In 2008, Riley was cast in the role of Mercedes Jones on the comedy-drama television series Glee, and appeared as a main cast member for all but one of the six seasons—she received guest star credit during season 5.[11] Riley performed numerous solos throughout the series' run, including "Respect", "Bust Your Windows", "Hate on Me", "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", "Beautiful", "Bridge over Troubled Water", "I Look to You", "Ain't No Way", "Try a Little Tenderness", "Spotlight", "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and, three days after Whitney Houston's death, performed a tribute version of "I Will Always Love You". She also played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the episode "The Rocky Horror Glee Show", singing the lead on the song "Sweet Transvestite" to generally positive reviews from critics.[12][13]

Riley at a Toys for Tots event in December 2009

For her role as Mercedes Jones, Riley won a Screen Actors Guild Award and received nominations for a Grammy Award, three NAACP Image Awards and three Teen Choice Awards.

Riley appeared at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards and later sang the national anthem at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.[14] She also co-wrote a track titled "Leave a Light On" for British group The Saturdays, which is featured on their album Living for the Weekend.[15] Riley's debut single, "Colorblind", premiered live on April 3, 2014, on The Queen Latifah Show. The song was written by Emeli Sandé, Claude Kelly and Steve Mac. It was expected to be the lead single off her debut album.[16] The song was performed by Riley in the fifth season episode Bash of Glee and was released on the episode’s EP on April 8, 2014. In 2015, it was reported that Riley would star in a Christmas television film, her first movie role, and her first acting role, since Glee.[17] In December 2015, she portrayed Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North, in NBC's live performance of The Wiz.[18] In 2016 Riley recorded two tracks for Todrick Hall's visual album Straight Outta Oz.[19][20] Also in 2016 she performed the national anthem at the second game of the 2016 NHL Stadium Series featuring the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche at Coors Field. In 2019, she took on the role of Audrey II, the carnivorous singing plant, in Little Shop of Horrors at Pasadena Playhouse.[21]

Dancing with the Stars

[edit]

In 2013, Riley won the seventeenth season of ABC's dancing competition Dancing with the Stars. She was partnered with the show's one and only six-time champion, Derek Hough.[22] Riley and Hough tied the record for highest first-week score of 27, received 5 perfect scores of 30, and only received a score lower than 8 one time. Riley is the first and only African-American woman to win Dancing with the Stars.[23]

Performances

Dreamgirls and other works in London

[edit]

In February 2016, it was announced that Riley would portray the lead role of Effie White in Dreamgirls at Savoy Theatre, marking the West End's first production of the musical and beginning performances in November 2016. The adaptation included a duet version of “Listen” with revised lyrics.[24] Riley received widespread critical acclaim for her performance,[25][26][27] earning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2017,[28] as well as the Evening Standard Theatre Award[29] and a WhatsOnStage Award.[30]

Due to its success, the Dreamgirls run at the Savoy Theatre was extended through October 2017,[31] and a live cast recording of the West End production was released in May 2017.[32]

While still in London, in 2017, Riley teamed up with British singers Beverley Knight and Cassidy Janson to form the musical theatre supergroup Leading Ladies. Their debut album, Songs from the Stage, was released on November 17, 2017 and features cover songs from Cats, Beautiful, Rent, and other stage productions.[33]

2020–present: EP RILEY and other works

[edit]

On February 28, 2020, Riley confirmed she had finished recording songs for her debut extended play (EP).[34] She announced that she would be performing under the name "Riley" (stylized in all caps as "RILEY") and released the single "A Moment" on September 4, 2020.[35][36] "BGE" (initialism for big girl energy) was released as the second single from the EP on September 18, alongside its music video.[37] Her self-titled EP, RILEY, was released on October 2, 2020, featuring a total of six tracks. On October 8, 2020 she released a music video for the track "Creepin'".[38]

In 2021, Riley starred as the lead character in the BET+ film Christmas Déjà Vu, in which she plays "a woman with a downtrodden life who hates Christmas and longs for the life she could have had as a singer. She meets an angel who grants her wish."[39] Riley also starred in the Lifetime thriller trilogy Single Black Female, inspired by the 1992 film Single White Female. She plays Simone Hicks, an assistant who becomes an obsessive and dangerous stalker. The films were released in 2022, 2024 and 2025, and Riley also served as an executive producer in the two sequels.[40][41][42]

In 2022, Riley competed in season eight of The Masked Singer as "Harp" and won the season.[43] In 2023, she competed as "Jellyfish" on the fourth season of The Masked Singer UK and finished in fourth place.[44]

In February 2023, Riley announced that her solo debut album would be released later that year.[45] As of October 2025, the album is yet to be announced. In October 2023, she featured as a judge on the British reality talent competition Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream, which was filmed in Corfu, Greece.[46][47]

Since 2024, Riley has voiced the character Ursula in the Disney Jr. animated series Ariel.[48] The series was renewed for a second season in June 2025.[49]

In September 2025, The CW announced a slate of original films based on Harlequin romance novels. Riley stars as the title character in Savvy Sheldon Feels Good As Hell, set to premiere on November 30, 2025.[50]

Personal life

[edit]

In November 2020, Riley announced her engagement to businessman Desean Black.[51] After 2 years, in April 2022, she confirmed the end of the relationship.[52]

As of 2025, Riley has been in a relationship with photographer known professionally as Scoobz for three years.[53]

Filmography

[edit]
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2002 St. Sass Toby Unsold pilot
2009–2015 Glee Mercedes Jones Main role (seasons 1—4, 6); Recurring role (season 5); 93 episodes
2010 The Simpsons Aiesha (voice) Episode: "Elementary School Musical"
2012 RuPaul's Drag Race Herself / Guest Judge Episode: "Glamazons vs. Champions"
The Glee Project Herself / Mentor Episode: "Tenacity"
2013 Dancing with the Stars Herself / Contestant Season 17 winner
2015 The Wiz Live! Addaperle Television special
2016 Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Dream Ghost #2 Episode: "Josh Has No Idea Where I Am!"
2017 Let It Shine Herself / Guest Judge Auditions stage
2019–2021 A Black Lady Sketch Show Various characters 4 episodes
2019 The Little Mermaid Live! Emcee TV Special
2020 Whose Line Is It Anyway? Herself / Guest Season 16 episode 1
2021 WICKED in Concert Performer CBS special
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune Herself / Contestant Season 2 episode 3
2022 That's My Jam UK Herself / Guest Season 1 episode 3
The Masked Singer Harp Season 8 winner[54]
2023 The Masked Singer UK Jellyfish Season 4; fourth place
Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream Herself / Judge
Name That Tune Herself / Contestant Episode: "Fox Legends: Gleeful Idols"
Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic Performer Performance of "Chim Chim Cher-ee"; CBS special[55]
2024 Monster High Catty Noir (voice) 2 episodes
2024–present Ariel Ursula (voice) Disney Junior's animated series; Main role[56]
2025 Celebrity Weakest Link Herself / Contestant Episode: "Glee Homecoming"
Film
Year Title Role Notes
2011 Glee: The 3D Concert Movie Mercedes Jones Concert film
2015 My One Christmas Wish Jackie Turner Television film
2016 Straight Outta Oz Brenda Television film
2018 Nobody's Fool Kalli
2020 Infamous Elle
2021 Christmas Deja Vu Kandi BET+ film
2022 Single Black Female Simone Hicks Lifetime film
2024 Single Black Female 2: Simone's Revenge Lifetime film; also executive producer
2025 Single Black Female 3: Final Chapter
Savvy Sheldon Feels Good As Hell Savvy Sheldon CW film; To be released in Nov 30

Stage

[edit]
Year Title Role Location
2012 Cotton Club Parade Performer New York City Center, Off-Broadway
2014 Hair Dionne Hollywood Bowl
2016–2017 Dreamgirls Effie White Savoy Theatre, West End
2019 Little Shop of Horrors Audrey II Pasadena Playhouse
2024 The Preacher's Wife Julia Biggs Alliance Theatre

Discography

[edit]
See also: Glee discography and Leading Ladies (group) § Discography

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details
RILEY[57]
  • Released: October 2, 2020
  • Labels: Self-released
  • Format: digital download

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Album
"Colorblind" 2014 Glee: the Music, Bash
"Someone You Loved" 2020 Non-album Single
"A Moment" RILEY
"BGE"
"Creepin"

Guest appearances

[edit]
Year Song Album
2013 "Never Be Lonely"
(with Eric Bellinger) 		In The Meantime
2014 "Gold Generation"
(with Eric Zayne) 		Autobiograme
"This Is What It Feels Like"
(with Kenyon Dixon) 		Twenty Four
2016 "Lions and Tigers and Bears" Straight Outta Oz
"See Your Face"
"#ChangeRightNow" I Am Major
2017 "Anybody Who Knows What Love Is"
(with Boyz II Men) 		Under the Streetlight
2019 "I'm A Mess"
(with Kenyon Dixon) 		R&B Kenny
2023 "Waiting"
(with Omarion) 		Full Circle: Sonic Book One

Soundtrack appearances

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result
2010 Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Glee Won
Teen Choice Award Choice TV: Female Scene Stealer Nominated
Choice Music: Group Nominated
2011 Grammy Award Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals "Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals version)"[a] Nominated
NAACP Image Award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Glee Nominated
Teen Choice Award Choice TV: Female Scene Stealer Nominated
2012 NAACP Image Award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
2013 NAACP Image Award Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
2017 Laurence Olivier Award Best Actress in a Musical Dreamgirls Won
Evening Standard Theatre Award Best Musical Performance Won
WhatsOnStage Award Best Actress in a Musical Won
2018 Classic Brit Award Album of the Year Songs from the Stage Nominated
2024 CMT Music Awards CMT Performance of the Year CMT Smashing Glass—R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Nominated
  1. ^ Shared with Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Mark Salling and Naya Rivera

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Amber Riley verified Twitter account. Retrieved on June 4, 2020. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. "Amber Patrice Riley",
  2. ^ "Celebrity Birthdays: See Who else is Celebrating with the Weeknd!". BET.
  3. ^ McIntyre, Hugh. "'Glee' Is Back On The Billboard Charts". Forbes. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  4. ^ "Amber Riley | Artist | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Snetiker, Marc (February 4, 2016). "Amber Riley to play Effie in West End Dreamgirls". Entertainment Weekly.
  6. ^ "'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' Wins a Record Nine Olivier Awards (Full List)". Variety. April 9, 2017.
  7. ^ "'DWTS' Determines Winner of Season 17!". Entertainment Tonight. November 26, 2013. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Ingrassia, Lisa (May 17, 2010). "Glee's Amber Riley: "I Love My Body"". People. Vol. 73, no. 19. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2011. ...growing up in La Mirada, Calif. ... But like her older sisters Toiya, 34, and Ashley, 26... [In sidebar] Age: 24.
  9. ^ "Glee Star Amber Riley On Idol Rejection: "I Still Work On Fox And Get Paid"". Access Hollywood. September 30, 2009. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
  10. ^ "Dish Of Salt: Glee Premiere Party, LA (September 8, 2009)". Access Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 12, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
  11. ^ "Glee Exclusive: 4 Original Cast Members Not Returning as Series Regulars for Season 5". TVLine. June 28, 2013.
  12. ^ Wetzel, Jerome (October 26, 2010). "TV Review: Glee – "The Rocky Horror Glee Show"". Blogcritics. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  13. ^ "'Glee,' Season 2, Episode 5, 'Rocky Horror Glee Show': TV Recap". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on October 29, 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  14. ^ "GLEEks! Kevin McHale & Amber Riley Are Guest Hosting AT40 This Weekend!". AT40. August 10, 2011. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
  15. ^ "ASCAP Search Result for 'The Saturdays'". ASCAP. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
  16. ^ "Glee's Amber Riley Premieres 'Colorblind'". QueenLatifah.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
  17. ^ "'Glee's' Amber Riley to Star in Christmas TV Movie (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. June 22, 2015. Archived from the original on August 11, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  18. ^ Roots, Kimberly (August 6, 2015). "Glee's Amber Riley, OITNB's Uzo Aduba Join NBC's The Wiz Live". TVLine. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  19. ^ "Todrick Hall Is Straight Outta Oz In This Emotional, Star-Studded Visual Album Featuring Nicole Scherzinger, Perez Hilton, & More! Watch!". PerezHilton.com. Archived from the original on June 27, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  20. ^ "Straight Outta Oz by Todrick Hall on Apple Music". iTunes.
  21. ^ "Little Shop of Horrors". pasadenaplayhouse.org. Pasadena Playhouse. Archived from the original on October 8, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  22. ^ Derschowitz, Jessica (September 4, 2013). "'Dancing with the Stars': Leah Remini, Valerie Harper, Snooki among new cast". CBS News. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2013.
  23. ^ "'Dancing with the Stars' Winners: Where Are They Now?". May 17, 2022. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  24. ^ Snetiker, Marc (February 4, 2016). "Amber Riley to play Effie in West End Dreamgirls". Entertainment Weekly.
  25. ^ Trueman, Matt (December 15, 2016). "West End Review: 'Dreamgirls' Starring Amber Riley". Variety.
  26. ^ Hitchings, Henry (December 12, 2017). "Dreamgirls: Amber Riley is the undoubted star of this dazzling show". The Standard.
  27. ^ O'Hanlon, Dom (December 14, 2016). "Dreamgirls Review". London Theatre.
  28. ^ "'Glee' Alum Amber Riley Performs 'Dreamgirls' Showstopper at Olivier Awards". EW.com.
  29. ^ "Amber Riley, Andrew Garfield in Evening Standard Theatre Award winners". Official London Theatre.
  30. ^ "Amber Riley: 'It's horrible in America right now, but I hope people will wake up'". February 20, 2017.
  31. ^ "NEWS: Dreamgirls Extends Run Until October 2017". Love London Love Culture. December 16, 2016.
  32. ^ Khullar, Asmita (May 12, 2017). "DREAMGIRLS ORIGINAL LONDON CAST RECORDING STARRING AMBER RILEY IS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE TODAY!". The Official Masterworks Broadway Site.
  33. ^ "Leading Ladies: starring Beverley Knight, Cassidy Janson and Amber Rile". londontheatre1.com. London Theatre. November 8, 2017. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
  34. ^ @MsAmberPRiley (February 28, 2020). "Prepare yourselves. She's comin" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  35. ^ @MsAmberPRiley (September 2, 2020). "RILEY is always spelled in ALL CAPS" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  36. ^ @MsAmberPRiley (September 2, 2020). "Available on all streaming platforms, this Friday, 9/4. "A Moment" #RILEY" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  37. ^ @MsAmberPRiley (September 18, 2020). "Hey y'all! It's finally here! I got that #BIGGIRLENERGY. Check out the premiere of the new visual for #BGEmovement" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  38. ^ @MsAmberPRiley (October 8, 2020). "Official Creepin' Video is OUT NOW!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  39. ^ Tona, Koku (November 25, 2021). "Amber Riley talks 'Christmas Déjà Vu'!". blackfilm.com.
  40. ^ Tinoco, Armando (February 12, 2025). "Porsha Williams Joins Lifetime's 'Single Black Female 3' Cast With Raven Goodwin, Amber Riley & K. Michelle Returning For "Final Chapter"". Deadline.
  41. ^ Rice, Lynette (January 30, 2024). "'Single Black Female': Lifetime To Air Sequel To Movie Starring Amber Riley, Raven Goodwin & K. Michelle". Deadline.
  42. ^ "Single Black Female 2: Simone's Revenge - Lifetime Movie - Where To Watch". TV Insider.
  43. ^ "And the winner of 'The Masked Singer' Season 8 is…". Yahoo!. November 30, 2022. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  44. ^ Barr, Sabrina (February 11, 2023). "Who was revealed on The Masked Singer UK as Jellyfish is unmasked?". Metro. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  45. ^ "Amer Riley To Release New R&B Album Later This Year". Vibe.com. February 28, 2023. Archived from the original on May 3, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  46. ^ Mensah, Katelyn. "Where is Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream filmed? | Radio Times". www.radiotimes.com.
  47. ^ "Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream on ITV - How it works, who is hosting and who are the judges". Manchester Evening News. October 22, 2023. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  48. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 18, 2023). "'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse' Revival Leads Disney Junior Slate; Taye Diggs To Voice King Triton With Amber Riley As Ursula In 'Ariel' Animated Series". Deadline.
  49. ^ Betti, Tony (June 7, 2025). "Disney Branded TV Reveals Slate of Renewals, First Looks, New Series, and a "Miraculous" Spin-Off Ahead of Annecy Festival Next Week". LaughingPlace.com.
  50. ^ "Katherine McNamara, Amber Riley, more to lead CW harlequin romances". United Press International via Yahoo Entertainment. September 30, 2025.
  51. ^ "'Glee' alum Amber Riley engaged to Desean Black". November 24, 2020.
  52. ^ "Glee's Amber Riley and Fiancé Desean Black Break Up". E! Online. April 12, 2022.
  53. ^ "Amber Riley's Official Instagram Page". www.instagram.com.
  54. ^ "Harp Talks 'Masked Singer' Season 8 Win: 'I Was as Surprised as Anyone When I Made It Through Every Round'". Billboard. November 30, 2022. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  55. ^ "CBS presents 'Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic". cbsnews.com. December 20, 2023. Archived from the original on December 26, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  56. ^ "Taye Diggs & 'Glee' Alum Amber Riley Cast in 'Little Mermaid' Animated Series 'Disney Junior's Ariel'". Billboard.
  57. ^ "Riley - EP by RILEY on Apple Music". Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Amber Riley.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Dancing with the Stars (US) winners
Season 17
(Fall 2013 with Derek Hough) 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amber_Riley&oldid=1316845300"