Diva Dynamics: Unpacking The Enduring Connection Between Barbra Streisand And Bette Midler

In the dazzling firmament of Hollywood, certain stars shine so brightly and for so long that their legacies intertwine, even if their direct collaborations are few. Such is the case with two undisputed titans of entertainment: Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler. Both possess an unparalleled ability to captivate audiences, whether through their powerful vocals, compelling acting, or masterful stage presence. They are true multi-hyphenates, having conquered nearly every facet of show business, from Broadway to the silver screen, from recording studios to directorial chairs. While their paths have often run parallel, a closer look reveals moments of mutual respect, shared experiences, and tantalizing near-collaborations that underscore their unique bond in the entertainment world.

Two Legends, Parallel Paths of Brilliance

Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler are, without a doubt, two of the most versatile and enduring performers of their generation. They embody the quintessential Hollywood artist who "can do it all." From their early days establishing themselves as formidable vocalists, they seamlessly transitioned into acting, earning critical acclaim and legions of fans. They’ve graced Broadway stages, starred in blockbuster films, and released countless chart-topping albums. Indeed, as one source notes, "Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler are two actors in Hollywood who can do it all. They’ve done just about everything one can do in show business." Their individual bodies of work are vast and easily accessible, with fans able to "Watch Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler performances on YouTube," showcasing their distinct yet equally compelling artistry. Beyond their shared versatility, they also share a history of being at the top of their game for decades, consistently reinventing themselves while staying true to their unique artistic voices. Their careers, though distinct, often echo each other in their ambition and impact, making any intersection between them a moment of particular interest for fans and industry observers alike.

The "I'll Eat You Last" Connection: A Shared History on Broadway

One of the most significant and public connections between Streisand and Midler occurred in 2013, centered around Bette Midler's triumphant return to Broadway in the one-woman play "I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers." This was a monumental event, marking Midler's first appearance on Broadway in over thirty years. The play, written by John Logan, saw Midler embody the legendary, no-nonsense Hollywood agent Sue Mengers. According to those involved with the production, Bette Midler "took on the one-woman play with gusto, handling the" demanding role with characteristic flair. The buzz around Midler's performance was immense, and it drew the attention of many, including Barbra Streisand herself. It was widely reported that "Celebrated actress-singer-director Barbra Streisand attended a recent performance of John Logan's I'll Eat You Last" with her husband, James Brolin, as confirmed by her publicist. This visit wasn't just a casual outing; it held a deeper significance. Streisand had a personal connection to the play's subject, as "Streisand was a client of Mengers for more than a" decade, making her attendance a poignant nod to a shared past within the industry. The Los Angeles Times even published an article titled "Barbra Streisand on Bette Midler's performance as Sue Mengers," highlighting the importance of Streisand's endorsement. This event became a notable moment in Hollywood, as "True power players scurried between two events Wednesday: opening night of Bette Midler’s 'I’ll Eat You Last,' about überagent Sue Mengers, and Barbra Streisand’s 71st birthday bash." The convergence of these two legends' activities on the same day only underscored their parallel prominence. Streisand's presence at Midler's show was a clear signal of respect and admiration, a rare public acknowledgment from one icon to another.

Addressing the Comparisons: Midler's Humble Perspective

Given their similar trajectories as powerful female entertainers who command both stage and screen, comparisons between Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler are inevitable. However, Bette Midler has often addressed these comparisons with a characteristic blend of humility and humor, revealing a deep respect for Streisand. In one candid moment, when asked about being compared to Barbra Streisand, Midler famously responded, "First of all, it makes me feel bad for her. I know I’d feel badly if I were Barbra, because everyone likes to think that they’re." This quote beautifully encapsulates Midler's empathetic nature, suggesting that the constant comparisons might be burdensome for Streisand, who has long been at the pinnacle of her craft. It speaks volumes about Midler's character that her immediate thought is for Streisand's feelings rather than her own ego. Furthermore, Midler has openly expressed her admiration for Streisand's physical beauty. "I think she’s prettier than me. Have you seen her in person? She is a very beautiful person, beautiful skin and hair. I’d never dump on Barbra," Midler once stated. These comments highlight a genuine appreciation and lack of competitive spirit, reinforcing the idea of a mutual respect that transcends typical industry rivalries. It paints a picture of two extraordinary women who, despite their individual brilliance, recognize and celebrate each other's unique qualities.

The Almost-Collaboration: A Trio of Divas That Never Was

Perhaps one of the most tantalizing "what ifs" in modern music history involves a planned collaboration that nearly brought together not just Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler, but also the undisputed Queen of Pop, Madonna. Details of this abandoned plan have resurfaced, leaving "Pop diva admirers everywhere... bereft." In the early 1990s, a dream collaboration was on the table for Streisand's 1993 album, "Back to Broadway." The idea was for "Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler [to] almost recorded 'Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better' from 'Annie Get Your Gun' together." This iconic song, known for its playful competitive lyrics, would have been a perfect vehicle for the three powerhouse performers. "A dream collaboration between Madonna, Barbra Streisand, and Bette Midler nearly became a reality. The trio was set to record a unique rendition of Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better from" the classic musical. The news of this near-collaboration has been discussed in various forums, including a "resurfaced interview clip from a January 2023 episode of the Barbra Archives," where Streisand's agent reportedly shared insights into the plan. Unfortunately, the stars did not align. "Veteran entertainer BETTE MIDLER was left disappointed when her planned duet with BARBRA STREISAND was scrapped due to scheduling problems." While the initial reports might have focused on a duet, it appears this was part of the larger, ambitious trio recording for "Barbra Streisand's 1993 album Back to Broadway." The cancellation due to "scheduling problems" meant that fans were deprived of what would undoubtedly have been one of the most iconic musical moments of the decade. While the "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" collaboration never materialized, it's worth noting another subtle musical thread connecting the two: both Streisand and Midler have recorded their own versions of the classic song "For All We Know," albeit separately. This minor detail further illustrates the shared musical landscape they inhabit, even when not directly collaborating.

A Legacy of Unparalleled Talent

The relationship between Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler is a fascinating study of parallel greatness, mutual admiration, and the tantalizing possibilities of what could have been. From Streisand's supportive presence at Midler's triumphant Broadway return to Midler's humble and respectful comments regarding comparisons, their interactions paint a picture of genuine esteem. The near-collaboration with Madonna remains a legendary "what if," a testament to the immense talent that almost converged. Ultimately, both Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler continue to stand as pillars of the entertainment industry, their individual legacies immense, and their unspoken connection a testament to the enduring power of true artistry.