Barbra Streisand’s Bold Move Leaves Paul McCartney Singing Backup Vocals in New Duet

Beatles legend Paul McCartney got a whole lot less than he bargained for when he teamed with Barbra Streisand to rerecord his romantic ballad “My Valentine” — multiple sources tell Straight Shuter that Sir Paul has smoke coming out of his ears after realizing the diva has reduced him to background vocals.

“Paul thought this was going to be a real collaboration,” says a top music insider of the upcoming duets album, The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume 2.

“He was shocked when he heard the final mix. It’s Barbra front and center — and he’s practically harmonizing in the shadows.”

 

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Sources say McCartney was “stunned” to discover that his voice was tucked behind Streisand’s towering vocals, especially since it’s his song. Even the album’s cover art relegates him to the fine print.

“Barbra’s name takes up the entire top of the cover. Paul’s is half the size, shoved down near the bottom,” a music industry vet points out. “There’s no mistaking who’s the star here — and it’s not the Beatle.”

This isn’t the first time Streisand’s need for control has ruffled famous feathers.

“Barbra doesn’t do equals, she does worshippers,” says a former collaborator. “Even a living legend like Paul isn’t immune.”

A friend of Paul’s says the “Let It Be” singer is too “classy” to raise a stink, “but make no mistake, he won’t be rushing back for Volume 3.”

Meanwhile, sources say Streisand is saying that the track is “perfection.”