Barbra Streisand mourned Aretha Franklin as a “uniquely brilliant singer” after the diva’s death, and posted a photo of herself backstage at a Marvin Hamlisch tribute concert in 2012. But what Barbra didn’t mention was reports of the legendary snub that happened that evening between the late Queen of Soul and Brooklyn’s own Babs! Aretha had earned her own reputation as a sharp-tongued diva over the decades, but insiders said that Barbra actually managed to leave the R&B legend speechless after Aretha dared to suggest the stage legends team up for a tour. Not only did Barbra bristle at the idea, said a source, the “Yentl” star even turned up her nose and proclaimed that she doesn’t need to tour with anyone!
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Photo credit: Getty Images
"Barbra bragged that she sells out venues all over the world and commands the biggest ticket price of anyone," said the backstage spy. "She doesn't need to share top billing, and she doesn't need a gimmick to sell tickets. I think she was insulted!" To make things worse, said insiders, the divas had already both entranced the star-studded crowd.
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Photo credit: Mega
Liza Minnelli,
Michael Douglas and other stars had watched Aretha sing a heartfelt rendition of the Hamlisch-composed
James Bond theme "Nobody Does It Better," while Barbra brought the crowd to its feet with a tear-jerking interpretation of "the Way We Were." An industry insider added that
Aretha had been working with music mogul Clive Davis to put together some kind of big concert event — and that even a single show at Carnegie Hall with Barbra could've filled the bill.
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Photo credit: Mega
Instead, Barbra went on to a hit North American tour, while Aretha took a bus along the East Coast for several shows. "They could have easily met up to perform together," said a friend. "It was just an off-the-cuff suggestion from aretha, but Barbra wasn't interested!"
"Barbra bragged that she sells out venues all over the world and commands the biggest ticket price of anyone," said the backstage spy. "She doesn't need to share top billing, and she doesn't need a gimmick to sell tickets. I think she was insulted!" To make things worse, said insiders, the divas had already both entranced the star-studded crowd.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Liza Minnelli,
Michael Douglas and other stars had watched Aretha sing a heartfelt rendition of the Hamlisch-composed
James Bond theme "Nobody Does It Better," while Barbra brought the crowd to its feet with a tear-jerking interpretation of "the Way We Were." An industry insider added that
Aretha had been working with music mogul Clive Davis to put together some kind of big concert event — and that even a single show at Carnegie Hall with Barbra could've filled the bill.
Instead, Barbra went on to a hit North American tour, while Aretha took a bus along the East Coast for several shows. "They could have easily met up to perform together," said a friend. "It was just an off-the-cuff suggestion from aretha, but Barbra wasn't interested!"
